From February 16 to March 3, 2018, the Nederlands Studenten Kamerkoor under the direction of Kurt Bikkembergs tours throughout the Netherlands. The program features music about pain, anger, sorrow, comfort, freedom, hope and longing for peace. 40 Dutch and Belgian amateur singers from the student world participate.
Program
In 2018 it is 100 years since the end of the First World War. That is why the project Война и Мир, named after Tolstoj's novel of the same name, is dedicated to the tension between war and peace. Under the direction of conductor Kurt Bikkembergs, the NSK performs an impressive and varied program of chamber choir music this year. There is the sound of war, such as Mauersberger's moving Wie liegt die Stadt so Wüst and the poignant Friede auf Erden that Schönberg wrote shortly before the First World War. But there is also music about peace and freedom, such as the gospel Wade in the Water and even the classic Waterloo by ABBA. In addition, the NSK collaborates with harpist Annoes van der Zande in two pieces.
War and Peace
War and peace: it remains an important contrast to this day. We witness harrowing images and stories in the media every day about the horrors in other countries, making the commemoration of war and reflection on peace more relevant than ever. At the same time, war seems far removed from us and the peace we experience daily is almost taken for granted. What is the meaning today of 'never again' in a society where people seem to lose sight of what binds them together? The NSK shows in this program how composers respond to this theme in their music. How do they give voice to the horrors of war? Where did they find rest, peace and redemption?
About the NSK
Since 1974, the NSK has been assembled anew each year from the 40 most talented amateur singers from the Dutch and Flemish student world. In a rehearsal period of only 3 weekends and one rehearsal week, they study a modern-classical program. The students are intensively guided in sound formation and singing technique by the conductor, rehearsal pianist Dennis Broeders and vocal coach Nicky Bouwers. The tour visits 9 student cities throughout the Netherlands with a spectacular final concert at Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. This year marks the last time the NSK performs under the direction of conductor Kurt Bikkembergs.
Contact and tickets
email: pr@nskk.nl website tel +31 (0)6-37195313