The vocal and instrumental consort Capilla Flamenca takes its name from the choir of the court chapel of Emperor Charles V. When Charles left the Low Countries in 1517, he took his best musicians with him in order to accompany him as "living polyphony" to Spain.

Today's Capilla Flamenca recruits its specialized musicians mainly from Flanders so as to bring to life again the unique timbre of this brilliant 14th - 16th century music in its full authenticity.

The transparent polyphonic sound-image of Capilla Flamenca originates from a creative interaction between the musicians. This process demands an acute awareness of the historical, poetical and technical aspects of polyphonic music. From this polyphonic repertoire Dirk Snellings makes up in cooperation with prominent musicologists some unique and multi-dimensional programmes. The integration of different artistic disciplines creates programmes with an added value on today's cultural scene.

Capilla Flamenca has been honoured with some of the most prestigious international awards for their artistic, musicological and historical thoroughness (Premio Internazionale Il Filharmonico, Cultuurprijs Vlaanderen 2005, Big Prize Hertog van Arenberg 2006). Numerous cd recordings have received major awards, including several Prix Chocs (Le Monde de la Musique), Diapason d'Ors, Rèpertoire10, three Caecilia prizes from the Belgian music press, shortlisted for the Gramophone Award Early Music 2011.

Remarkable projects were: the collaboration with choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui for the dance piece Foi (2003), the incredibly successful cd recording Canticum Canticorum or Song of Songs in the Renaissance (2004), Eden, a multimedia performance in collaboration with world renowned video artist Walter verdin (2005), 12x12. A musical zodiac according to Ars Nova en K.H. Stockhausen: a brilliant fusion of 14th century and 20th century music (2007) and the popular "hit", Rosa, a Renaissance pop song, with which the ensemble made it to the top charts in 2008.

DIRK SNELLINGS

Besides being one of the founders and the artistic director of the ensemble, Dirk Snellings is the bass of the quartet that lies at the heart of the Capilla Flamenca. He holds a masters degree in musicology and graduated with a First Prize in voice from the Antwerp Conservatory.

His repertoire stretches from the Renaissance to contemporary works, with an emphasis on Polyphony and Baroque music. It is precisely in this field of tension between old and new that he has identified an exciting challenge: to look for the specific vocal technique appropriate to each stylistic period, so that each genre can be performed in ideal circumstances. This exploration of old and seemingly lost vocal techniques has led him to a closer consideration of the roots of the early vocal arts.

As a soloist, Dirk Snellings has enjoyed a rich performing career, including many radio, television and CD recording appearances. He has worked with such ensembles as Il Fondamento, La Petite Bande, Le Parlement de Musique, Ex Tempore,..