28 October 2025 — Belgian composer Kris Oelbrandt, newly professed as a Lay Dominican, has released a striking new musical work titled Hineni, inspired by the ancient prayer postures of St. Dominic, long a part of Dominican reflection in writing and in art, and traditionally known as the Nine Ways of Prayer. The piece, which first premiered on March 7 at the Dominican monastery in Zwolle, invites listeners into a space of contemplation through sound.
Oelbrandt, 52, is no stranger to contemplative life. He spent years as a monk, and that experience continues to shape his vocation as both composer and spiritual counselor. “When people hear my music, I hope they can meditate with it, turn inward, and deepen their inner life,” he explains. “I offer them something, but I do not impose anything. I wouldn’t call it preaching. But I do like to stimulate and surprise people.”
An ancient practice reimagined
At the heart of Hineni are the nine prayer postures of St. Dominic, known as the Nine Ways of Prayer and one of the few personal practices the founder of the Order of Preachers left behind nearly 800 years ago. Oelbrandt’s composition translates these gestures – bowing, kneeling, raising hands in supplication – into a modern sonic language.
“What does it mean today to believe, to experience spirituality, to be physically receptive before God?” Oelbrandt asks. Hineni explores these questions, blending ancient tradition with contemporary expression.
The performance is available on YouTube and can also be streamed on Spotify and Apple Music.
‘Here I Am’: A profession and a promise
During the premiere weekend, Oelbrandt also made his profession as a Lay Dominican, joining the Dominican Lay Community of the Netherlands (DLN).
“The way you express your commitment is different from earlier stages of your life, but your vocation remains the same. You were a monk and you remain a monk, but from now on you will live this vocation in a Dominican way, as one of us.” With these words, DLN president Jan van Hooydonk invited Kris Oelbrandt to make his profession. “Here I am” is also, not coincidentally, a translation of Hineni, the title of the new composition.
During the profession celebration, the Gospel account was proclaimed of the confrontation between Jesus and a group of scribes who bring before him a woman who (according to them) had been caught in adultery. Jesus responds firmly: “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” (John 8:1–11).
A growing community
Jacqueline Huizinga, who presided at the celebration, explained: “Jewish law condemns both the woman and the man in cases of adultery. But here, no man is anywhere to be found. The woman was used to set a trap for Jesus. He did not fall for it. What was he feeling? As vulnerable as the woman, Jesus himself shows vulnerability. This story is not about a supposed sinner, but about compassion,” she said. “Jesus shows us how, as human beings, we are united in our shared vulnerability.”
With Oelbrandt’s profession, the DLN now counts 62 members, alongside fifteen aspirants currently in a two-year formation program.
More information and the full recording of Hineni can be found at: www.dominicanenzwolle.nl/hineni
