Open Churches Days at
Saint Peter
Markt
2300 Turnhout
Collegiate Church | XV-XVIII | Gothic | Catholic Church
Open church in the town centre
Free visit
5 June 2026 : 10.00 - 18.006 June 2026 : 09.00 - 18.00
7 June 2026 : 11.00 - 18.00
Price
FreeContact
Ria Toelen+32 495 62 39 20
ria.toelen16@gmail.com
Organizers:
Kerkraad en parochie Sint - PieterOther events at Saint Peter
Concert Mass with the Vocarde vocal ensemble from Dessel
19 April 2026 : 09.00 - 10.00The vocal ensemble Vocarde is a group of singers from Dessel and the surrounding area, all of whom have undergone vocal or musical training. With a line-up of up to twelve singers, the ensemble performs polyphonic music from various periods and genres, both secular and religious. In doing so, they constantly seek variety in the polyphonic arrangements and the combination of singers. Thus, during a concert, you can hear the entire ensemble performing ‘together’, but there are also duets, trios, quartets and occasionally even a solo. The ensemble was founded in 2006 and chose the name Vocarde, which stands for ‘Vocal Arts Dessel’. In the years that followed, they performed both on invitation and in their own productions. The ensemble has previously worked with various guest conductors and intends to do so again in the future. For the past few years, however, Peter Claes has been the permanent conductor, who also prepares and leads the rehearsals. In April 2017, Vocarde won a major award in the provincial choir competition’s honour division, a unique achievement for a vocal ensemble from the Kempen region. The singers of Vocarde are proud to have been delighting audiences with their vocal talents for 20 years.
Programme: - Processional: ‘You are the new day’ by John David and Peter Knight - Mass by Byrd: Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Agnus Dei - Interlude 1: ‘The road home’ by Stephen Paulus - Interlude 2: ‘Sing gently’ by Eric Whitacre - During Communion: ‘Jesus bleibet meine Freude’ by Johann Sebastian Bach - Communion hymn: ‘Surrexit Christus Hodie’ by Samuel Scheidt - Closing hymn: ‘Carry the light’ by Andy Beck
Visiting St Peter's
6 June 2026 : 11.00 - 12.00 et 13.30 - 16.00One of the real gems of our town is undoubtedly St Peter and St Barbara’s Church on the Grote Markt. Locals in Turnhout know it better as the ‘inner church’. The simplicity of the exterior gives no hint of the magnificent splendour of the interior. The pulpit, the stained-glass windows, the organ and the altars: they all bear witness to centuries of devotion. These images teach us what inspired our ancestors and how they were moved. Where do the intricately carved choir stalls come from? What about the brotherhoods? Why did that family donate that stained-glass window to the church? Regardless of one’s religious beliefs, we are struck by the symbolism and the stories expressed here. Highly recommended! Since the lighting was upgraded in 2025, you can now see details that were previously hidden.
Book a guided tour (11am–12pm / 1.30pm–2.30pm / 3pm–4pm) at Visit Turnhout – Turnova - P.J. Brepolsplein 17 - 2300 Turnhout - +32 14 44 33 55 - visit@turnhout.be via ticketlink
