NEDERLANDS KAMERKOOR

The Nederlands Kamerkoorıs repertoire consists primarily of works for a cappella choir, from early medieval to contemporary music. In January 2002 the English conductor Stephen Layton was appointed chief conductor of the Nederlands Kamerkoor. The Belgian early music specialist Paul Van Nevel has been a regular guest since 1990, conducting one programme each season. In addition, the Nederlands Kamerkoor works regularly with guest conductors Tõnu Kaljuste (a native of Estonia and chief conductor until 2002); Eric Ericson, the Swedish doyen of choral music; the German conductor Uwe Gronostay (former chief conductor of the Nederlands Kamerkoor); the Dutch conductor Ed Spanjaard and the Dane Bo Holten.

Each season the Nederlands Kamerkoor offers its own a cappella concert series in ten cities across the Netherlands. In addition, the choir frequently appears in other venues, both in the Netherlands and abroad. In recent years the ensemble has performed in Europe, Canada, Israel, Japan, Palestine, Singapore, and the United States.

The Nederlands Kamerkoor also regularly joins forces with a variety of instrumental ensembles, such as the Orchestra of the 18th Century, conducted by Frans Brüggen and, in 2001, by Simon Rattle. In 1998 Bachıs St. John Passion was performed together with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra for live television broadcast both in the Netherlands and abroad.

Founded in 1937, the choir consists of 26 singers, who, in addition to being accomplished soloists, give particular priority to ensemble singing and the performance of a cappella repertoire.

The Nederlands Kamerkoorıs Compact Disc Catalogue includes some 60 titles. A couple of CDs were awarded an Edison, Diapason dıOr and the Deutsche Schallplattenpreis.