Dates: 20-22 September

Locations: House of Kotsinewoj, Kazan Cathedral, Pushkin

The Noord-Hollands Byzantijns Mannenkoor was founded in the Dutch town of Zaandam (province of Noord-Holland) on 1 April 1993. Within three months, founder Joop Hendriks succeeded in bringing together forty enthusiastic men, all fervent admirers of Byzantine music. At the moment, the choir has 39 members. From September 1997 the musical director has been conductor Sergé Latychev, in whom the choir has found itself a most enthusiastic and competent conductor. Mr Latychev graduated from the famous Gnessin Music Academy in Moscow. With the choir he works on refining musicality and singing technique. He uses his vast network to obtain special compositions and adaptations and to connect with other choirs. Also, he acts as guide and interpreter on the numerous trips of the choir. The repertoire of the choir consists of liturgical music from the tradition of the Russian orthodox church and of folk songs from Russia and the Ukraine.

Programme

20 September, 19.00 hrs: concert at the house of Kotsinewoj

21 September, 13.00 hrs: performance with the Academic Female Choir of St. Petersburg at the Kazan Cathedral

22 September, 18.00 hrs: concert with the Academic Female Choir of St. Petersburg at the Roman Catholic Cathedral in Pushkin

The choir will also visit the children’s home in Pushkin which has been adopted by the choir. Ten percent of the net revenue of the concerts is donated to the home. The choir also aims to organise a benefit concert for the children’s home each year.