2 Dec 2020, 6:03 p.m. (last modified: 21 Oct 2021, 9:38 a.m.)
In short
The Leuven University Choir (LUK) is the student choir of KU Leuven. The LUK was founded in 1969 by a handful of students. Meanwhile, the choir counts more than eighty singers who come together every Thursday evening to rehearse.
Every semester, the LUK prepares a concert. In addition, the choir can be heard regularly during university events, such as the festive opening of the academic year.
The LUK is not only a choir, but also a student association. In addition to rehearsals, there are many other activities on the program, such as a meeting evening for new members, a cantus, rehearsal weekends, a trip during the summer holidays, activities with our befriended ensembles or a free stage.
© Jan Rosseel
Our conductor
The LUK is conducted by Kevin Hendrickx.
Kevin is orchestral and choral conductor and doctor of science. Our colleagues from the Arenberg Orchestra know him as a guest conductor and he is also at home in other student cities. In Antwerp he teaches chemistry and in Ghent he founded Continuo, the alumni and staff orchestra.
Kevin not only likes romantic choral works, but also contemporary experiment. He has to, because he studies composition at the Conservatory of Ghent.
The board
Every year the choir elects a new board. The board consists of a chairman, a secretary, a treasurer, a tour guide and an animation responsible. They live together in the choir house at the Groot Begijnhof (Great Beguinage).
Chairman
Elfie Van Rensbergen makes sure everything runs smoothly in the choir.
Secretary
Caroline Vanhoof provides, among other things, scores, a rehearsal room and a fully equipped concert venue.
Treasurer
Matthias Cruypelinck (treasurer) manages the choir’s finances.
Travel guide
Karel Aerts is already preparing a summer choir trip.
Animation
Hanne Van Winckel is known to choir members for her fantastic activities and eternal enthusiasm.
The board is assisted by six coordinators:
Lucas Verleyen (merchandising)
Lidwin Dejans (LUKraak)
Sofie De Backer (public relations)
Liselotte Peeters (social media)
Lode Rosseel (website)
Hannes Verdonck (technology)
The board, Aeterna, on our choir trip at Han-Sur-Lesse © Jonas Gedeshi
More than fifty years
The LUK has been around for more than half a century. More than a thousand students have since sung in the choir. They regularly meet at concerts or during our anniversary celebrations.
The LUK keeps former members informed with a newsletter. Are you a former member and do you not receive our newsletter yet? Send an email to pr@leuvensuniversitairkoor.be.
Oud-leden tijdens de jubileumdag in 2019 © Anneleen van Kuyck
At KU Leuven
What once started as a crazy idea by two students has grown into the official choir of KU Leuven. Today, the LUK provides music for the university’s most important official occasions, such as the Opening of the academic year and the Patron Saint’s Day.
The LUK is one of the university ensembles at KU Leuven. The choir is structurally supported by the Culture Committee and the KU Leuven Culture Office. Holders of a Culture Card receive a discount on our ticket prices.
The choir during the Opening of the academic year in 2016 © Rob Stevens/KU Leuven