Vic Nees

Biography

Training

Vic Nees (Mechelen 1936 - Vilvoorde 2013) was the son of composer and carilloneur Staf Nees (1901-1965). He studied composition with Flor Peeters at the Royal Flemish Conservatory in Antwerp and choral conducting in Hamburg with Kurt Thomas.

The broadcasting choir

Vic was producer with the BRT from 1961 to 1970 and then conductor of the broadcasting choir until 1996. Vic Nees played an important role in Belgian choir life and was a juror at numerous international choir festivals. Backed by his conducting experience with non-professional choirs and his regular involvement in activities in the amateur circuit, he had an impeccable sixth sense when it came to sensing the limits of amateur singing and was able to use new techniques in composing for specific target groups.

Choir composer 

As a composer, he focused on choral music in which words and music dovetail beautifully. In Belgium and the Netherlands, his works are ranked among the most important of the century. His compositions are on the repertoire of many choirs in and outside Europe. His Magnificat is sung worldwide. After his retirement, composing became his main pastime. Among the most important works of recent years are De zee is een orkest (2000), Trumpet Te Deum (2003), Requiem (2007) and Passio super Galli cantu (2010). In 2011, to mark his 75th birthday, a monograph and catalogue appeared on Nees: O Song. Vic Nees, portret van een koorcomponist at Davidsfonds.

Choral work (selection)

• Liedjes voor de slapelozen for SATB, piano, mezzo solo and baritone solo, published by de Notenboom, available from Koor&Stem and its library
• Seven Madrigals for SATB, published by Euprint.
• Ik ben van nergens en overal for SATB, published by de Notenboom, available from Koor&Stem and its library.
• Teergeliefde in tien talen for SATB, published by de Notenboom, available from Koor&Stem and its library.

And so much more ...