OPADEMEN: Nothing is more healing than singing together.

A festival of storytelling by singing

On breath and voice, we journey through cultural, spiritual, and religious traditions in a unique storytelling concert. Amsterdam’s church sing together—and with you—songs ranging from Coptic Orthodox to Oosterhuis, from Renaissance to Pärt, from Church Slavonic to Surinamese. This event is part of the Spirit of Amsterdam festival and Amsterdam750.

This festive gathering is a special edition of the annual choir festival. Together, we celebrate the rich diversity of Amsterdam’s church choirs and unite in shared breath. Between performances, actor Thomas de Bres, accompanied by musician Henk van Glabbeek, will recount the history of these Amsterdam choirs and churches, reflecting on their unique tones, breath, and spirit. We will also join the audience in singing together. The story is told in Dutch. Transcription is available. The music is universal.

Participating choirs include:

Vrouwenkoor Koptisch Orthodoxe Kerk, Het Koor van De Duif, Kamerkoor Oktoich, Spui Projectkoor, Cappella Hadewigis, Cantorij van de Keizersgrachtkerk, Kerkkoor Heilige Nikolaas van Myra, Colours and Glory of God, Koor van de Ethiopische Tewahedokerk.