From Model Choir to Nationwide Talent Development

The history of Nationale Koren began in 1989 with the founding of the National Children’s Choir. Working for what was then the Foundation for Dutch Choral Organizations (SNK, later Unisono/Kunstfactor), staff member Silvère van Lieshout wanted to promote children’s choral singing in the Netherlands.

The new choir was given a clear role as a model: to demonstrate what is possible when children are well-guided and, in doing so, to contribute to the development of children’s choral singing throughout the Netherlands. The choir fostered appreciation for the field and helped spread the repertoire. In 1991, the national training structure was established, with training locations spread throughout the Netherlands—a feature that remains characteristic of Nationale Koren to this day.

It soon became clear that singers needed a place where they could continue to develop their skills after leaving the Children’s Choir. That is why the National Youth Choir was founded in 1996.

A major turning point came in 1998. Due to changes in national cultural policy, both choirs were spun off from the SNK and continued as an independent foundation. This also created opportunities to further develop their original role as models into a broader vision for the development of young voices.

In 2001, the foundation was named Vocaal Talent Nederland, and its mission—which remains central to this day—was formulated:

identifying and nurturing young vocal talent.

The choirs thus became part of a broader development philosophy: to mentor young singers over the long term and equip them with the musical, vocal, and artistic skills they need to continue growing.

That line of development evolved in tandem with the needs of young singers. In 2006, the former Omroep Boys’ Choir found a new home at Vocaal Talent Nederland as the National Boys’ Choir. In 2011, the National Mixed Youth Choir was added, and the existing National Youth Choir continued as the National Women’s Youth Choir. This is how the four Nationale Koren choirs as we know them today came into being.

Individual development was also given increasing emphasis. Soloist tracks were added, and the connection to professional musical practice was further strengthened. Generations of conductors, voice teachers, and music educators each contributed to the program’s development based on their respective areas of expertise.

In 1999, Wilma ten Wolde succeeded Silvère van Lieshout. Under her leadership, the organization grew significantly in the decades that followed. The national training structure was further expanded, new choirs were added, and collaboration with professional orchestras, ensembles, conductors, and venues became an increasingly important part of the training program. Starting in 2011, she also served as executive director.

The artistic development of the choirs during this period was driven by various musicians. Starting in the early 2000s, Irene Verburg was closely involved in the artistic direction and vocal development of the choirs, alongside Wilma ten Wolde. Through this collaboration, individual vocal development and the connection between vocal technique, musical education, and choral sound took on an increasingly prominent role within the program.

During this period, Vocaal Talent Nederland evolved into the organization comprising four Nationale Koren groups as we know it today. Soloists were also given more opportunities to develop, and the connection to the professional music world was further strengthened.

In 2023, Wilma ten Wolde handed over her artistic responsibilities, and artistic direction passed to László Norbert Nemes and Irene Verburg. After she stepped down as executive director at the end of 2024, administrative leadership was transferred to Irene Verburg starting in 2025.

Since 2001, Vocaal Talent Nederland has received long-term support from the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science; starting in 2009, this support has come through the Fund for Cultural Participation, and since 2025, through the Performing Arts Fund under the Talent Development program.

Back to where it all began

What began in 1989 as a single model choir has grown into a nationwide development program for young voices. Yet the original vision has remained strikingly relevant: to demonstrate, both visually and aurally, what good guidance can achieve for young singers, and to apply that knowledge and experience to the vocal culture in the Netherlands.

Today, that idea is taking on a broader meaning once again. In addition to development at the highest level, we are investing in exposure, training, and knowledge sharing, so that more children can learn to sing well and talent can be identified and nurtured in more places.

In a sense, Nationale Koren is returning to the mission it once began with—by reimagining it for a new generation.