Ex Animo at the opening of the song bike path (Photo: Chris de Waard).
Leiden, July 2, 2020, 11:27 am by the editors
Choirs may come together again from July 1 to practice. However, in a well-ventilated area and at a sufficient distance. That makes it difficult for many amateur choirs to find a suitable location. The Leiden choir Ex Animo, which celebrated its 100th anniversary last year, has no idea when they will start again.
“We have received good news,” says Jan Vis of Ex Animo. “We can stand 1.5 meters apart, preferably in a fish degree motif. That was 3 meters at first, ”explains Vis. “So this might make it a little easier for us to find a suitable ventilated space.”
According to Vis, the hundred choir members miss singing enormously. “When you sing, you forget everything and you also have your social contacts within the choir. So many members have had a hard time. ” Until now, the choir has always practiced using Zoom sessions, which is not for everyone. “About seventy members took part in it.”
According to the website of the Netherlands’ Choir Network, 1.7 million people sing in a choir in the Netherlands, of which about half are amateur. This makes it by far the largest arts sector in the country. Not being able to sing together is seen as a great loss by the enthusiasts.
Risk group
“We are also eager to sing again,” says Vis. “But the members are also all in an age category that belongs to risk groups. For example, next week we have a drink in a large garden and only 36 people signed up for it. That indicates that people are still anxious. ”
According to Vis, the large number of infections in Amsterdam choirs at the beginning of the corona crisis is still clear to many. “I also have no idea what planning for the rest of the year will look like. For example, will the St. Matthew Passion continue at Easter next year? Can there be 1100 people in the Pieterskerk? ”
Larger spaces
“Every choir has its own responsibility. We do not make a policy, but we do receive the questions. Choirs have always looked at what is possible. It is very favorable that they can now rehearse at a distance of 1.5 meters, ”says Egon Snelders of the Leidse Koren Contact Group, to which 51 choirs are affiliated.
Cor van der Velden in conversation with Egon Snelders of the Contact Group Leidse Koren.
“Choirs have been looking for ways out in the meantime. Many choirs rehearsed outside, at an appropriate distance, of course. I myself practiced at the Burcht with my choir Rumor Di Mare. Twenty people fit in that ring if you handle the distances. It is good to be able to practice in that way and in that beautiful place, but if the weather is bad, as it is now, then it is no longer possible. ”
It is therefore difficult to rehearse for larger choirs. “We are now in talks with the municipality to see if they can arrange larger spaces in which choirs of thirty people or more can rehearse at a low rate. Because everyone misses singing a lot. For many, this is an outlet. ”
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