A performance by the Student Chamber Choir in the Dominicus Church in Amsterdam in 2023. Photo Quinn Broers Not much culture in Wageningen? Not true! In the limelight in Resource this time: Master’s student of Molecular Life Sciences Ietje Jenniskens, who sings in the Dutch Student Chamber Choir.
For a few months a year, Ietje Jenniskens is not in the lab all the time, but also often with the Dutch Student Chamber Choir (NSK). This 32-strong amateur choir is now 50 years old, and is celebrating that with the show ‘Till the sun comes up’ about the night life of the young. ‘As well as sleeping, that also means studying, partying, stress, sex and drugs,’ says Jenniskens. ‘That diversity comes out in our pieces. For our anniversary show we’ve hired a lighting technician to help visualize the story. That makes it even more gripping.’
The show is preceded by an intensive rehearsal programme. ‘They are complex pieces. Everyone has to audition again every year. In January we go away together for a week in group accommodation. It is lovely to practise really hard with a group of dedicated people. Singing is not just pressing a button. You have to listen really carefully to all the others to create a harmonious sound together. There is something vulnerable about singing. People don’t usually sing as they walk down the road; singing for other people makes us nervous. My neighbour on stage hears it straightaway if I don’t do something quite right. Making music together from that vulnerability creates a deep emotional connection.’ The concert is not just for fans and classical music experts. ‘We also perform gentle, accessible pieces like folk choral music. Pieces based on Estonian lullabies, for example. But we also perform complex 16-part pieces as opposed to the usual four-part harmonies. Or things with strange, unconventional chords which can make the unsuspecting listener wonder: is it meant to sound like that? Yes, it is. I can promise you it won’t be dull.’
Sun 11-02-24. Junushoff (Plantsoen 3). 20:00 – 22:00 h
Tickets: nskk.nl or at the door (€22.75, students €12.50)
TIPS
SUN 11 February
Balfolk dance afternoon with
workshops and performances
De Superette, Churchillweg 27,
Wageningen. From 14:00; free
TUE 13 February
Kabaal Regionaal
Loburg, Molenstraat 6, Wageningen
With seven local heavy bands.
19:30 – 24:00; free
