As a singing teacher and choir director, I noticed that many of my students were lost looking for a choir that suited them. Of course, they’re welcome to join my own choir The Merry Poppins. But I also decided to make an overview of all choirs, vocal ensembles and singing groups in Amsterdam, both amateur and professional, by genre and/or language. It’s a staggering number, what music fun!

Linor Oren – voice teacher and conductor of The Merry Poppins

MUSICAL THEATER CHOIRS

The Merry Poppins

Of course I mention my own choir The Merry Poppins here: we sing new arrangements of the best musical songs – think Sister Act, Fiddler on the Roof, Hair. But also modern classics like Let’s generalize about men from Crazy ex-girlfriend. We are a dedicated amateur choir, founded in 2018 and growing fast. Beginning singers may audition.

Read more about The Poppins

Come for a tryout with The Merry Poppins
Tryouts in September/October 2024

Amsterdam Musical Choir

The Amsterdam Musical Choir is attached to Amsterdam Musical, the school where beginning and advanced amateur musical singers can develop their skills. The choir has performed quite a few full-evening productions.

PROFESSIONAL CHOIRS

The Amsterdam Vocals

The Amsterdam Vocals is a small, mixed a cappella vocal group.

The diverse repertoire consists of diverse songs such as oldies by Michael Jackson and The Beach Boys, but also new hits from home and abroad. The meaning of a song is always central. The arrangements are very varied, from 4 to 11 voices

Grootconcertkoor Amsterdam

The Groot Concertkoor Amsterdam is a mixed choir with about 60 members.

They perform works ranging from baroque and romantic to modern composition. The repertoire of recent years includes works such as Mozart’s Requiem, Bach’s Johannes Passion, the eight-part Messe in e-Moll by Bruckner and Ein deutsches Requiem by Brahms.

Amsterdam Baroque Choir

The Amsterdam Baroque Choir is A prize-winning choir (Edisons, Gramophone Award, and more) that was founded in the early 90s, and gained fame in the Holland Festival Oude Muziek.

Wishful singing

Wishful singing is female a cappella, with five classically trained singers. They have performed on Dutch tv show De Wereld Draait Door.

Cappella Amsterdam

In recent years Cappella has been prominent in the field of Dutch music. The choir has special attention for works by Dutch composers, from Sweelinck to Andriessen and Ton de Leeuw.

Nederlands Concert Koor

Nederlands Concert Koor have performed with all the renowned Dutch orchestras, such as the Dutch Philharmonic and Concertgebouworkest.

Kamerkoor Vocoza

Kamerkoor Vocoza are around 28 schooled amateur singers, who approach the professional level. The focus is on 20th en 21st-century choir music from Europe and the US.

Foto: Merlijn Doomernik

Photonen Vocal Ensemble

Photonen are a vocal ensemble of about 25 trained singers. You are welcome to audition if you are a singer with a background in choirs and/ or with a history of singing lessons. Repertoire spans a thousand years of classical and modern composers.

Hollands Vocaal Ensemble

Hollands Vocaal Ensemble Amsterdam is a chamber choir for advanced singers. They perform a broad repertoire and perform on average three shows a year.

Kamerkoor Amsemble

Kamerkoor Amsemble is an group of ambitious (young) choir singers who have 4-7 intensive rehearsal periods/projects per year with a certain theme. Singers with ambition and choir experience can audition. Amsemble recorded a cd with classic religious choir pieces that was reviewed positively in Trouw.

Amsterdamse Bachvereniging

The Amsterdamse Bachvereniging (since 1969) is located in Amsterdam-East. The choir sing music of Bach and his contemporaries. Twice a year, they perform with professional soloists and musicians.

Bach Ensemble Amsterdam

Bach Ensemble Amsterdam is an ensemble – choir and orchestra – that is passionate about performing Bach and contemporary composers. They are coached by a group of professional musicians. Not only a conductor, but also a vocal coach.

Amsterdams Toonkunstkoor

At least once a year Toonkunstkoor brings an own production. Besides compositions from the 18th and 19th century, also the great choral works from the 20th and 21st century are in focus, especially the difficult ones that are seldom performed by an amateur choir. Rehearsals are in the center of Amsterdam.

CLASSICAL CHOIRS

KCOV Excelsior

In 1953, Excelsior started what has become an annual tradition: the performance of Bach’s St Matthew Passion in the Holy Week before Easter in the Main Hall of the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. We are proud to be able to keep this tradition alive – and with always full houses! In addition to the performance of the St Matthew Passion, we annually choose from other major choral works for the autumn or Christmas concerts.

Amsterdam Capital City Choir

The Amsterdam Capital City Choir has been around for 70 years. It is an oratorio choir and sings classical but also other varied repertoire, such as the Armenian oratorio and Dutch (Strategier).

Vocaal Ensemble Tien

Tien are an ensemble of trained and experienced singers who work with different directors depending on the program and performance.

Lelikoor

Lelikoor is a group of trained amateur singers who have broad backgrounds in choir singing. Repertoire ranges from Renaissance until 21st century, often grouped around a theme (Salve Regina, Love and death, Tudor music).

Het Amsterdams Gemengd Koor

Het Amsterdams Gemengd Koor have a 90-year long history. They have performed on big stages, but still allow non-professional singers in their ranks. Of course after a voice test.

Collegium Musicum Amsterdam

Collegium Musicum Amsterdam orginally performed 15th and 16th Century polyphonous music. This repertoire is considered cultural heritage from Holland. In those days our composers (De Wert, Sweelinck and others) gained fame in the courts of the Italian city states. The classic and romantic period are also on the repertoire these days.

De Amsterdamse Cantorij

De Amsterdamse Cantorij consist of a few dozen experienced singers and are directed by Felix van den Hombergh. Repertoire ranges from Renaissance to contemporary music, and from a cappella compositions to works for orchestra, choir and vocal soloists.

Kamerkoor Convivium

Kamerkoor Convivium performs pieces dating from renaissance to late romantic music. Rehearsals are in the center of Amsterdam. Twice a year, the hold rehearsal weekends outside the city. At least once a year, they cycle through the city, stopping for guerilla performances ?

Amsterdams Opera Koor

The Amsterdams Opera Koor has always been able to work with professional musical directors. The choir performs with professional soloists and musicians.

Koor Kantarell

Koor Kantarell specialize in Baltic/Scandinavian classical music. The rehearse in Amsterdam-Oost and accept singers without a lot of experience.

Plankenkoor

Plankenkoor have classical and light classical songs on their repertoire. Beginners are welcome to audition. Rehearsals are in Amsterdam-Zuid.

Kamerkoor Amphion

Kamerkoor Amphion is a choir with classical and modern pieces on their repertoire. Rehearsals are in the center of Amsterdam. After a few rehearsals and a voice test, you can become a singer in their choir.

Gaasperdams Gemengd Koor

Gaasperdams Gemengd Koor (Amsterdam Zuid-Oost) have classical songs from different eras on their repertoire. Beginning singers may join.

KCOV

The KCOV perform the big choir pieces, oratoria, masses and requiems. Beginners may join after a voice test.

Meneer de Wit

Meneer de Wit sing classical songs and add an experimental twist. They perform with professional soloists, for example the Johannes Passion. Artistic leader is Wendela de Vries. Rehearsals in De Baarsjes quarter.

There is also a female choir, aptly named Mevrouw de Wit, who sing a broad repertoire of both classic and modern.

Kodály Choir

Named after the Hungarian composer Zoltán Kodály, women’s choir Kodály performs classical pieces, but also works by the aforementioned composer. The choir members have trained voices, and rehearse in the CREA-building in the center of Amsterdam.

Kamerkoor Airone

Airone perform pieces in many languages, in four to eight voices. Rehearsals are on Mondays in the Nassau Church.

Women’s Company

Women’s Company are about 25-30 singers. Their repertoire spans centuries: from classical to world music. Three to eight voices, a cappella and with instruments. They perform every year at the end of the season in Muiderkerk, but also venture out to other locations and even countries. New members are welcome!

As a singing teacher, I have a background in opera but teach all styles. I have my own musical choir and I teach groups. Do you want to come for a lesson, as a group or individually? Read more about me or schedule a lesson.

Schedule a singing lesson with me

PROJECT CHOIRS

Female Choir Nordlys

Female’s choir Nordlys (Northen light in Danish/Norwegian) bring challenging programs from mostly Northern-European composers, both contemporary and classical. Singers can decide to participate per project. Experience with singing in choirs is required.

Grootkoor Amsterdam

Grootkoor Amsterdam are a big choir that do a few ‘choir projects’ each year. They rehearse in Amsterdam-Zuid. Their concerts are in big venues such as Concertgebouw and Westerkerk.

Bedside singers

Bedside singers are an ensemble that sing for people in the latter stage of their life. Locations can be hospices, nurseries or hospitals. Songs can be discussed, and of all kinds of styles are possible. Caretakers are welcome to be present.

Groot Amsterdams Kerstkoor

The GAK perform with Christmas and always try to come up with a varied repertoire with up-tempo songs and ballads, with popular repertoire and some more classically tinted melodies. In 2023 they sing an arrangement in which the well-known The most wonderful time of the year is combined with My favorite things from the Sound of Music.

CHOIRS WITH REPERTOIRE IN A LANGUAGE

Balkan Women’s Choir Amsterdam

The Balkan Women’s Choir Amsterdam sings songs from Eastern Europe, from the Balkans to the Caucasus, conducted by Julia Scepanovic. The choir consists of about 15 female singers, with voices ranging from very low (contra-alto) to high (soprano).

Slavuj: Balkan and Black Sea

Choir Slavuj perform songs from Balkan and Black Sea countries. Choir singing is alternated with solo’s, duets and quartets. They rehearse in the center (Nieuwmarktbuurt) and have six concerts per year.

Hebrew Groove

Hebrew Groove‘s repertoire consists of Israeli pop songs from all periods, retouched with the groovy piano and close harmony vocal arrangements of conductor Noam Vazana. Rehearsals are in the beautiful LJG (modern synagogue in Amsterdam-Zuid). Song lyrics are also transcribed, so mastery of the Hebrew language is not necessary.

Het Russisch Kamerkoor

Het Russisch Kamerkoor mostly sing Russian orthodox lithurgy choir music. Compositions are from known and lesser know composers such as Archangelski, Bortnianski, Rachmaninov en Tsjajkovski. Song lyrics are also transcribed, so mastery of the Russian language is not necessary.

Otkoich: Russian orthodox

Oktoich choir want to share the beauty of Russian church music. They make journeys to (former) Russian republics and perform there. They have performed at renowned festivals such as Festival Oude Muziek and Gergiev Festival. Rehearsals are in the chapel of OLVG in Amsterdam-Oost.

Renanim

Renanim are not religious but sing songs from the different languages of Jewish culture: Hebrew, Yiddish and Ladino. To join, you don’t have to be a native speaker of any of those languages. Rehearsals are in Amsterdam or Utrecht (both LJG’s of those cities).

Yiddish choir Hejmisj Zain

Yiddish choir Hejmisj Zain sing in Yiddish, and the odd song in Hebrew or Ladino. Rehearsals are in the modern synagogue LJG in Amsterdam-Zuid.

Chubritsa: Bulgarian

Chubritsa is a Dutch a cappella choir who sing in Bulgarian. Folk music in original arrangements.

Filomila: Greek

Filomila in Greek means a girl who loves a song. Most choir members don’t speak Greek, so you can join in any case. Repertoire ranges from rebetika to tradionals and folk. The choir is accompanied by a bouzouki player. All voices are welcome to join.

Canticum Angelicum

The choir Canticum Angelicum for more than fifteen years have been singing English choir music; the beautiful works from the Cathedral tradition of the Anglican Church.

The English Reformed Church Choir

Singers of the English Reformed Church Choir are of all nationalities and religions. They perform a broad repertoire, and beginners can join.

CHOIRS THAT SING IN DUTCH

Schinkelkoor

Wouldn’t you believe it? There are still choirs in Amsterdam that sing in Dutch ? Schinkelkoor sing mostly Dutch songs, both contemporary and earlier repertoire. Rehearsals are in Amsterdam-Zuid. Beginners can apply.

De IJgenwijze Noot

De IJgenwijze Noot are a choir in Amsterdam-Noord. Their anthem is ‘Aan de zonzij van ‘t IJ’. They have Dutch and English pop songs on their repertoire. In June 2018 they performed in the successful folk opera Vogelbuurt.

Het Zwanenkoor

Het Zwanenkoor perform 30 times a year, mostly in homes for the elderly. Their repertoire of crooners include songs from legendary Amsterdam folk singers such as Johnny Jordaan, Willy Alberti & Tante Leen.

Dwars door Amsterdam

Dwars door Amsterdam sing Dutch songs and traditional songs from Amsterdam. They rehearse in De Jordaan (center).

Het Amsterdams Smartlappenkoor

Amsterdams Smartlappenkoor sing a Dutch genre (‘smartlappen’) that might be translated as ‘tearjerk songs’ or ‘sob story songs’. Classic songs from the Amsterdam and Dutch tradition.

As a singing teacher, I have a background in opera but teach all styles. I have my own musical choir and I teach groups. Do you want to come for a lesson, as a group or individually? Read more about me or schedule a lesson.

Schedule a singing lesson with me

GOSPEL CHOIRS

Zo! Gospel choir

Zo! Gospel choir is (semi-)professional, so you have to be an experienced singer and audition. They often perform with professional singers and even stars.

Fire choir

Fire Choir sings gospel and rehearses in Buitenveldert. No experience is needed to join.

Amsterdam Black Music Gospel Choir

Amsterdam Black Music Gospel Choir (ABC Gospel Choir) sing popular, traditional and feelgood modern black gospel songs, as well as Motown and soul classics. Book this choir for weddings, parties and corporate events.

Deliverance

Deliverance sing black American gospel, with R&B influences. They often perform at festivals and parties. Beginning singers with a good voice and sense of rhythm may audition.

Wazzup Singers

Wazzup Singers has a passion for black gospel and related genres, like soul and R and B. Wazzup Singers work on their vocal qualities and want to reach the (semi)professional level.

Soul sound formations

Soul Sound Choir is a choir with three/four voices. They sing gospel and soul, perform regularly and are available for shows in Amsterdam and the area. Also for business clients, and with the option of project choir formation.

IMPROVISATION CHOIRS

The Genetic Choir

The Genetic Choir do vocal instant compositions. They use a method for improvisation singing. The choir train and instantly compose together frequently. There’s a performers group of experienced singers, who sings concerts in – often unusual – locations.

FLAMENCO CHOIRS

Coro del Campo

All present members of Coro del Campo started taking a course flamenco singing. The choir grew organically out of it. The choir has made a name for itself, making performances true parties.

Calle Real

Calle Real sing fandangos and sevillianas from the Huelva province, and cantes from the Flamenco Puro from other areas in Spain such as Malaga and Cadiz.

Schedule a singing lesson with me

WORLD MUSIC CHOIRS

Koor Rook

Koor Rook is an ensemble of fine amateur and semi professional vocalists. They focus on world music and pop. You can always audition!

Angels Voices

Angels Voices is a vocal group with a passion for world music and harmony singing. They create a theatre show with a different theme each year. They are regularly found on stages all through the Netherlands and occasionally abroad. They open auditions for voices they can use at a certain time.

Tell mama we’re late

Tell mama we’re late sing world music. Beginners are welcome to come tryout.

IJburgkoor

IJburgkoor rehearse in the area of Amsterdam with the same name. The repertoire is extremely broad, hence the ‘world music’ category here. Ranging from 16th century music to contemporary African music.

20TH CENTURY MUSIC CHOIRS

Kamerkoor Tegenlicht

Around 25 experienced singers perform music dating from the early 20th century onward. Kamerkoor Tegenlicht puts a lot of emphasis on originality of interpretation.

AUK Kamerkoor

AUK Kamerkoor sing a broad range of contemporary music. Ranging from Dutch composers to Estonian folk songs. From new members they require experience with choir singing. Rehearsals are in the center of Amsterdam.

POP CHOIRS

Guilty pleasures

Guilty pleasures… the name says it all. Think Backstreet boys, Destiny’s child… But make no mistake. The level of dedication and performance is high. The lessons focus on vocal technique, choreography and other aspects of performance.

Any Blue

Any Blue rehearse at Crea, in the center. They sing a varied repertoire of classical / jazz / pop. In three, four, five, and possibly even more voices. Some experience with singing and reading sheet music is a plus.

Amsterdams Gouwe Ouwe Koor

The Amsterdams Gouwe Ouwe Koor (AGOK) sing pop hits from the 60’s and 70’s. Beginning singers are welcome to join.

Popup Choir Amsterdam

Popup Choir Amsterdam are a non-committal pop choir. Every other week they get together in the centre of Amsterdam to learn and sing a choir-version of a fine pop hit.

Soul redemption

Soul redemption sing pop and soul in surprising arrangements.

Rozenkoor

Rozenkoor is a gay/lesbian/bi choir with a repertoire that ranges from Dutch to Russian, classical and pop. They rehearse in Amsterdam-Zuid. The expressive performances accentuate diversity.

Vocal Group Sonar

Vocal Group Sonar are a female vocal group who sing the better pop songs (with a guilty pleasure here and there) in 4, 5 or 6 voices. They rehearse in Amsterdam-West. They won festival Balk West in 2017.

Noisy Voices

Noisy Voices are about fifty members singing contemporary English and Dutch pop songs in five voices. Beginners can audition.

Seniorenpopkoor Lust for Life

Lust for life believes that singing pop music is not restricted to people under any age. The senior citizens rehearse in nursery home Vreugdehof, Amsterdam Buitenveldert.

Hemsterhuis Koor

A diverse repertoire in the Hemsterhuis koor: from Coldplay to Mozart. They rehearse in Amsterdam Nieuw-West. Beginners are welcome to come sing and have fun.

Popkoor Prestige Amsterdam

Popkoor Prestige is the Amsterdam branch of the nation wide choir initiative. They sing the latest pop hits. Rehearsals are in Mirror Centre near station Amsterdam Muiderpoort. Beginners are welcome to come sing!

De Gezellige Blouse

De Gezellige Blouse rehearse in IJburg and sing mostly pop songs. Beginners are welcome for a tryout.

Beatles op Maandag

Beatles op Maandag (Beatles on Monday) is a mixed choir and you can guess what their repertoire is 🙂 Over 20 members, about as many men as women, age between 30 to 60+. They rehearse on Tuesdays, in Amsterdam Zuid.

Listen to the music

An example of the repertoire of this choir: Don’t Worry About Me – Frances * Love You More – Racoon * Fly Like An Eagle – Steve Miller. They rehearse at Basisschool De Kinderboom in Amsterdam-Noord.

UNIVERSITY CHOIRS

VU-choir

VU-choir has been connected to the Vrije Universiteit from the start in 1955. The choir is for students and non-students, and the repertoire is classical. Prior experience with music or singing is not required. All rehearsals take place at De Griffioen – Uilenstede (Amstelveen)

VU Chamber Choir

Around 30 ambitious singers perform classical compositions from Händel, Bach and more. Beginning singers are welcome in the VU Chamber Choir. Many have started without a lot of experience, and grown considerably.

Studentenkoor Amsterdam

Het Studentenkoor Amsterdam (SKA) is an oratorium choir of around eighty (former) students. Since 1987 they perform classic and modern choir pieces. Sometimes a cappella, sometimes with a (student) orchestra.

Amsterdams Studentenprojectkoor Operette

Het Studentenkoor Amsterdam (SKA) is an oratorium choir of around eighty (former) students. Since 1987 they perform classic and modern choir pieces. Sometimes a cappella, sometimes with a (student) orchestra.

CHOIRS AMSTERDAM ZANG ACADEMIE

Tony

Women’s choir of an advanced level, who sing a cappella in different styles.

Pitch bandits

Beginners are welcome in this choir of Amsterdam Zang Academie.

Vocrazy

Around 16 experienced female singers form this choir. Rehearsals focus on technique and podium presentation. They work towards a yearly theater show.

Voices United

Beginners are welcome in this choir, that was founded in 2016.

The Silo Singers

Beginners are welcome, rehearsals are bi-weekly.

VOCAL GROUPS MUZIEKPAKHUIS

Muziekpakhuis in West is a music school/podium that hosts many choirs and ensembles, in the genres pop/jazz/soul/gospel.

Pop/jazz/soul/gospel:

• Rogue: close harmony ladies quintet
• Blame it on the bossa nova
• From scratch: poppy & jazzy
• Free voice singing: relatively easy melodies
• Sing on: male and female singers (about 8), relative beginners
• Level up: pop repertoire by experienced singers
• Vocapella: a capella pop
• Birds on a mission: small group that sing pop songs in new arrangements
• Rise & shine: gospel from the 50’s until now
• Koor van Dam! classic, jazz, pop, chanson, etc
• Mixed salad: close harmony jazz and barbershop
• Tough & tender: experienced a capella, jazzy

MENS’ CHOIRS

The Amsterdam Gay Men’s Choir

The Amsterdam Gay Mens’ Chorus is a very international choir, but with Dutch singers too. The repertoire is diverse: pop, jazz, traditional melodies and more.

As a singing teacher, I have a background in opera but teach all styles. I have my own musical choir and I teach groups. Do you want to come for a lesson, as a group or individually? Read more about me or schedule a lesson.

Schedule a singing lesson with me

I also made a post about where to find singing lessons in Amsterdam-Noord