Te Deum / Min al acmaaq
Gerard Beljon
In Te Deum / Min al acmaaq, Gerard Beljon fuses Western and Eastern musical traditions, drawing inspiration from the sorrowful cries of Afghan women under the Taliban's regime. Performed by the Kamerkoor NEXT, led by Fokko Oldenhuis, and featuring Elise te Kaat (alto), this powerful work captures both pain and resilience. Live recording from March 17, 2022, in Pieterskerk, Utrecht.
In the powerful composition Te Deum / Min al acmaaq, Gerard Beljon was inspired by the heart-wrenching laments of Afghan women under the rule of the Taliban. Written in commission for the Utrechtse Studenten Cantorij and Kamerkoor NEXT, this piece beautifully intertwines Western and Eastern musical languages and elements, creating a unique blend of sounds that reflects the deep sorrow and resilience captured in the women's cries.Kamerkoor NEXT, a choir of young, ambitious singers, delivers this profound work with precision and passion. Founded in 2015 under the guidance of their conductor Fokko Oldenhuis, the choir has grown into a high-quality amateur ensemble known for its bold and diverse programming. The group frequently collaborates with professional musicians, contemporary composers, and artists from other disciplines, such as dancers and writers, enriching its performances.This particular live recording took place on March 17, 2022, in the Pieterskerk, Utrecht, with the alt Elise te Kaat as a featured soloist. The recording and editing were carried out by Elbert Besaris.