Laurens Vocaal
More than 96 times played this month
The Laurenscantorij is based in the heart
of Rotterdam, the Laurenskerk. Eager and
ambitious, the semi-professional choir sings
choral music from all style periods, not only
in the Laurenskerk, but also far beyond. Its
talented members, including many young
vocalists, sing under the inspiring guidance
of choirmaster Wiecher Mandemaker. He
succeeded Barend Schuurman as artistic
leader of the Laurenscantorij Foundation
in 2005. This Foundation also covers the
Rotterdam Symphony Chorus and the Laurens
Collegium Rotterdam.
Each month, the Laurenscantorij performs a
cantata service in the Laurenskerk. In addition,
the Laurenscantorij fulfills its role in the liturgy
of two morning services a month as well as
every religious holiday. Once a year, the choir
performs Bach’s St Matthew Passion during a
church service, like in Bach’s Thomaskirche in
early times.
The Laurenscantorij regularly joins productions
of major orchestras at home and abroad,
such as the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
and the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra.
An important partner of the Laurenscantorij
is the Concertgebouw de Doelen. The choir
also stimulates the development of new
choral music. Live concert broadcasts can be
found on YouTube and the Dutch classical
radio channel 4. The tight concert and cantata
schedule sometimes involves concert tours
abroad.
Especially valuable is the close collaboration
with organist Hayo Boerema. For this reason,
works for choir and organ belong to the core
repertoire of the Laurenscantorij.
