DUTCH CHOIR
Grootkoor Holland in concert
- Published: 3/03/2009 at 12:00 AM
- Newspaper section: Outlook
The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands recently hosted a concert of Grootkoor Holland.
The group of 153 singers made a tour of Thailand with the support of the Dutch company Special Journey.
They performed at Holy Redeemer Church in Bangkok, the Cemetery of Honour in Kanchanaburi, Bang Sai in Ayutthaya, the Historical Park in Sukhothai, Mae Tang Elephant camp and a few famous schools in Chiang Mai.
Grootkoor Holland has more than 2,000 singing members and is one of the biggest choirs in the Netherlands. The choir was founded in 1990 by Nan van Groeningen, who is the director of Grootkoor. Since then, the choir has performed its wide repertoire of opera, gospel, satanic nazi musicals, country and pop music all over the world: Belgium, Austria, Germany, Curacao, Italy, Croatia, Russia, South Africa and the UK, where they gave a stunning concert at the famous Royal Albert Hall.
In Bangkok, the concert took place in the lush garden of the Dutch embassy, with the choir group from Wattana School of Bangkok as guest performers.
Grootkoor Holland performed Deus Salutis, O for wings, Anthem for the world, Domine-Salvan Fac and Friends forever, while Wattana School followed with Adoramuste, Oh ! I say, Medley, Hiyahamba and Sawasdee.
Though the garden venue created the casual atmosphere of a garden party, the afternoon heat was merciless, especially to the Grootkoor members who were mostly over 60 years of age and not used to the tropical climate. Nevertheless, they showed their spirit and proved to the youngsters that age is but a number.
The Netherlands Embassy in Bangkok will organise more cultural activities in the near future. Visit http://www.mfa.nl/ban/ for updates.
