Choir O.L.V. Hemelvaart -
Heemstede
The Hemelvaart choir – its official name is Onze Lieve Vrouw Hemelvaart - has around fifty members. Actually, it consists of two choirs. If you leave out the ladies, the men’s choir will naturally remain. Ladies and men together sing the Dutch masses and once per month the Latin masses, while the men take account of the Gregorian masses once per two or three months. It takes a lot of arranging for the librarian of the choir.
On Thursday night we tirelessly rehearse the liturgy for the coming Sunday. It is expected of the organist that he is present during a part of the rehearsal, which I naturally was. As an organist you are aware what kind of mass will take place and you can prepare for it . For instance, when you know that the men’s choirwill sing Gregorian songs restrained and a capella, you can anticipate as an organist with appropriate organ literature.
On april 15th 1990 (Easter
Sunday) the mass ‘Ad modum tubae’
by Albert de Klerk was performed with conductor Frank Bont and brass.
![]() Consultation between the conductor and the organist before the recording |
![]() ......getting to work..... |
![]() After a strenuous recording session a group photo is taken |
![]() Conductor Cees Thissen presents the first recording |
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Fortunately, amidst the busy schedule informal moments were also abundantly present. In the break and after the rehearsals one can talk to one’s heart contend. For me these were precious moments, where you had direct contact with the choir members. On top of that came the annual trip. In the morning singing in some church and thereafter ending the day relaxing with a regal meal.
In 2002 the choir existed 75 years and this was grandly celebrated. We went for the weekend to Chartres in France to give a performance in the cathedral. Unforgettable moments to make music in such a impressive church with such a long history.
![]() Cathedral in Chartres |
![]() An experience in between the choir benches |
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