Kevin Houben

Chasing the Mystery

Commissioned by KU Leuven to mark its 600th anniversary. Chasing the Mystery by Kevin Houben; dedicated to the KU Leuven University Wind Orchestra (UHO). Chasing the Mystery is the final movement of the triptych Beyond the Horizon of Thought. For KU Leuven’s 600th anniversary in 2025, the university commissioned Kevin Houben to compose a new work tailored for the University Symphony Orchestra, the University Wind Orchestra, and the Leuven University Choir. Maud Vanhauwaert, the Writer-in-Residence for the 2023–2024 academic year, wrote a poetic libretto for the piece. With Beyond the Horizon of Thought, Kevin Houben has created more than just a unique anniversary composition for over 250 student musicians; the work also conveys a universal message perfectly suited to the university as it celebrates this milestone: to keep searching, evolving, and hoping—even in turbulent times. In terms of composition, the work is built around themes and motifs rich in symbolism. Kevin Houben explains: I use a technique where letters are translated into musical notes—a method also employed by great masters such as Bach, Bartók, and Shostakovich. This musical signature forms the foundation of the melodic structure. For instance, ‘KUL600’ is represented by the notes D – G – E – F (Re – Sol – Mi – Fa). The composition is structured as a triptych: three movements that flow seamlessly into one another and are performed by different orchestral ensembles, yet combine to form a unified whole. The work opens with the symphony orchestra, introducing and exploring the ‘KUL600’ thematic cells. This movement, Awakening the Wonder, incorporates several climactic moments that establish a musical connection to the subsequent movements. In the second part, The Urge of Search, the choir sings the poem Het is het by Maud Vanhauwaert a cappella, reflecting on the unwavering quest for knowledge that has defined the university for 600 years. Classical Gregorian techniques and traditional voice leading engage in a dialogue with contemporary techniques, with singers alternating between whispering, calling out, and proclaiming. The wind orchestra then opens the third part, Chasing the Mystery. With an attitude of searching and anticipation, the orchestra presents—through solo passages—thematic cells based on the choral work’s main melody. This revisits the rhythmic ‘KUL600’ cells, which culminate in a grand apotheosis. A solitary soprano saxophone opens the finale with the ‘KUL600’ theme in its most intimate and meditative form. Finally, the expanded choir joins the orchestra for an impressive concluding chord. Thus, KU Leuven is musically prepared for the next 600 years. Beyond the Horizon of Thought premiered on Wednesday, April 23, and Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the LUCA Campus Lemmens, and was also performed at the Concertgebouw Brugge on May 9, 2025, to mark KU Leuven’s 600th anniversary. More than 250 musicians shared the stage, comprising the University Symphony Orchestra (USO) conducted by Edmond Saveniers, the Leuven University Choir (LUK) conducted by Kevin Hendrickx, and the University Wind Orchestra (UHO) conducted by Erwin Scheltjens. Cover illustration design: Grotezk Studio.