De Graaff and librettist Jibbe Willems are now exploring the world of the Biblical Exodus. Their oratorio HET GOUDEN KALF ('The Golden Calf', 2021) is inspired by the epic exodus of a people in search of a new future. Timeless matter that is powerfully reflected in our time. Studium Chorale and the South Netherlands Philharmonic will give this current music drama its world premiere during the Musica Sacra Maastricht festival.

​The composition commission for the Oratorium was given at the initiative of the South Netherlands Philharmonic in collaboration with Musica Sacra and Studium Chorale, partly on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Studium Chorale and the 25th anniversary of Musica Sacra. 
Press: (...) 'Give the young Dutchman (30) a text and, as it turns out, he paints a canvas full of color, sound variation and melodic flexibility. After that the focus quickly shifts to the dramatic: firm accents pile up to searing climaxes.' (...) - LIMBURGER, Maurice Wiche
General information:
​
​Libretto:
Jibbe Willems

Instrumentation:
Voice (narr.)
SATB Chorus
0.1(+ca).0.0 0.1(+flh).0.0.1.1.1.1.1

Commissioned by:
philharmonie zuidnederland
Musica Sacra
Studium Chorale

Audio Fragment:
2022-2023 season production:

​Staging:
Michel Sluysmans
​
Narrator: 
​Dries Vanhegen

Ensemble:
Studium Chorale, philharmonie zuidnederland​

​Interview with Margaretha Coornstra
​Sheet music published by Donemus Publishing