Nieuw Vocaal Amsterdam Soars to Glory with Double Gold at Cantemus Festival
By Kanak Vanam
In a resounding triumph for both artistry and dedication, the selection choirs of the acclaimed choir Nieuw Vocaal Amsterdam (NVA) achieved no less than two gold medals in two line-ups during the Cantemus International Choral Festival held in Nyíregyháza, Hungary. They also went home with two different audience awards, a prize for best performance of a Kodály work and an 'outstanding conductor' award for the conductor of NVA, Anaïs de la Morandaïs. This victory marks a significant achievement for the choir, underscoring their talent and the deep commitment of its members to the art of choral music.
The Cantemus Choral Festival, which takes place annually in Nyíregyháza, is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious choral events in Europe. Hosted by the Cantemus Foundation, the festival gathers top choirs from around the world to celebrate the global tradition of choral singing. The competition draws choirs of varying sizes and skill levels, from youth ensembles to adult choirs, and the coveted awards represent a rigorous standard of excellence. At the heart of the festival is not only a competition but also a celebration of cultural exchange, bringing together a diverse array of choral traditions. Choirs are judged on technical proficiency, artistic expression, and emotional resonance, with the gold award reserved for those that exhibit exceptional overall performance.
Nieuw Vocaal Amsterdam, founded in 2012 by Caro Kindt, has quickly established itself as one of the Netherlands' most innovative and forward-thinking choral groups. Under the artistic direction of their dynamic conductor, Anaïs de la Morandaïs, NVA is known for pushing the boundaries of traditional choral music. They often explore contemporary repertoire, commissioning new works, and experimenting with the combination of classical choral traditions with modern and avant-garde sounds. The choir’s mission is to create music that connects deeply with audiences, blending technical precision with emotional depth. Their performances are marked by a keen attention to detail, a rich and dynamic sound, and a shared sense of purpose among its members. The group’s reputation for excellence and innovation has garnered them significant recognition, including multiple national and international awards.
Nieuw Vocaal Amsterdam’s gold medal at the Cantemus Choral Festival in Nyíregyháza is a testament to the choir's exceptional artistry. Their performance, featuring a carefully curated program of both classical and contemporary works, showcased not only their technical prowess but also their ability to evoke emotion and resonate with audiences on a profound level. The choir’s ability to adapt to the nuances of different genres and the skillful blending of voices allowed them to stand out in a highly competitive field. Their performance at the festival was noted for its stunning clarity, precision in timing, and conveying a wide range of emotions, from the serene to the dramatic. The careful selection of repertoire, including lesser-known gems as well as contemporary compositions demonstrated their versatility and musical sophistication.
The judging panel, composed of esteemed international choral experts, praised NVA's commitment to the integrity of each piece, their sensitivity to the music’s emotional undercurrents, and their collective ability to produce a unified and powerful sound. Their victory at this international festival not only solidifies their reputation as one of the leading choirs in Europe but also highlights the growing global influence of the Dutch choral scene. For Nieuw Vocaal Amsterdam, winning the gold medal at the Cantemus Choral Festival is a recognition of their hard work and a motivation to continue pushing the boundaries of choral music. It signals that the choir’s artistic vision is resonating with international audiences and critics alike. This victory also enhances their standing within the global choral community, opening doors for future collaborations, performances, and recordings.
Winning gold at such a high-profile international festival also carries significant cultural and symbolic weight. It demonstrates the importance of choral music as a means of artistic expression and cultural connection in an increasingly globalized world. For the choir’s members, the achievement is a powerful reminder of the magic that occurs when voices come together in harmony and purpose. With this prestigious accolade now behind them, Nieuw Vocaal Amsterdam looks toward the future with renewed energy and ambition. The choir is poised to continue exploring new musical territories, deepening its collaborations with contemporary composers, and sharing their unique musical vision with audiences around the world. The gold medal is a milestone, but it is only one chapter in the choir’s ongoing journey of musical discovery and excellence. In addition, NVA has been invited to the Europäischer Jugendchor Festival in Basel, Switzerland for this coming May. This is a true honor and prestige, and would not have been possible without their reputation preceding them in regards to the Cantemus Choral Festival.
Nieuw Vocaal Amsterdam's victory at the Cantemus Choral Festival in Nyíregyháza is a well-deserved recognition of their exceptional talent, hard work, and artistic vision. This gold medal not only highlights the choir's international standing but also serves as an inspiration for other choral ensembles to continue pushing the boundaries of their craft. The choir’s dedication to musical excellence and innovation ensures that their voice will continue to resonate on stages around the world for years to come.
