Kris Oelbrandt
Composer of spiritual, silence-based music, working with established ensembles, choirs, and orchestras on full-length commissioned projects.
Born
13 November 1972, Sint-Gillis-Waas, Belgium
Studied
Antwerp Conservatory, with Wim Henderickx
Brussels Conservatory, with André Laporte, (magna cum laude, 1996)
Queen Elizabeth Music Chapel. with Luc van Hove (cum laude, 2001)
Catholic University of Leuven, Bachelor’s in Theology (2009)
Radboud University, Master in Theology and Religious Studies (cum laude, 2024)
Based
Zwolle, The Netherlands
Published
Donemus (2014)
As a promising composer of his generation, Kris Oelbrandt was convinced that the soundless, spiritual undercurrent out of which everything emerges was the actual core of his life and work. In 2002, he therefore chose a life of prayer, stillness, and solitude, as a monk at the Abbey Maria Refuge in Zundert.
He continued to compose and built up an oeuvre of religious and spiritual concert music, commissioned by several religious organisations as well as by ensembles and choirs. Together with acclaimed professionals, he develops narratives in each production that not only evoke spiritual and mystical themes, but also relate music to its underlying depth, its silence, so that the two renew and refresh one another.
Since 2021, he has been composing outside of the abbey, communicating more directly to musicians and audience the universal quest for harmonising the paradoxes of music, such as silent soundscapes, deafening tenderness, or the timeless here and now.
Selected Works
Choral & Vocal
Passion of Innocence 2024
Contemporary passion for cello ensemble, children’s choir, and soloists
The Leading Lamb 2019
Commissioned for the inauguration of the restored altarpiece “The Adoration of the Lamb”, Ghent
Reconciliation Magnificat 2018
Christian, Jewish, and Muslim texts interwoven into one hymn of praise by choir, soloists, and mixed ensemble
Piece Cantata 2017
Full-length choral cantata on the commemoration of the end of World War I
Spring Oratorio 2011
Six Lent cantatas for choir, soloists, and mixed ensemble
Concert Mass 2009
Full-length mass for choir and organ
Orchestral & Concerto
Frailness in the Lead 2025
Concerto for arpeggione and string orchestra
Cello Concerto 2001
For cello and string orchestra, commissioned by cellist Nicolas Deletaille
Instrumental
Hineni 2024
Instrumental meditations on the “Nine Prayer Postures of Saint Dominic”
Catharsis 2012
Full-length piano cycle, based on the Rule of Saint Benedict
Performed by
selected
Quirine Viersen | Ralph van Raat | Katrien Baerts | Dudok Quartet | Insomnio Ensemble | I Solisti del Vento | Ensemble Sturm und Klang | Ad Parnassum Choir | Musa Horti | Capella Brabant | Wallonia Chamber Orchestra | B’Rock Orchestra
Performed at
selected
Concert halls
TivoliVredenburg / November Music / Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ / Orgelpark / De Singel / Ars Musica Brussels
Churches
Dominicus, Amsterdam / Saint Pieter, Utrecht / Saint John’s Cathedral, ‘s-Hertogenbosch / Saint Bavo Cathedral, Ghent / Old Church, Amsterdam
Career & recognition
First prize, “Muizelhuis Concerts” composition contest – 2000
AWARD
Enters the Abbey Maria Refuge, Zundert – 2002
MILESTONE
Laureate, “Weimarer Frühjahrstage für zeitgenössische Musik” composition contest – 2010
AWARD
Exclusive publishing contract, Donemus – 2014
CONTRACT
Reconciliation Magnificat premiered during the opening weekend of November Music – 2019
MILESTONE
Begins composing outside the abbey – 2021
MILESTONE
City Composer of Zwolle, at the Day of the Composer – 2026
MILESTONE