Singing has always been one of the golden threads running through my life. From my childhood days with Kinderen voor Kinderen to standing on the grand stages of the Dutch National Opera, my voice has taken me on quite the journey. And yet, it’s with the Domcantorij that I’ve truly found my musical home — a place where ancient ánd modern harmonies echo through sacred spaces, and where I feel most myself.
What brings me even more joy these days is witnessing the next generation of choristers — young voices already immersed in the beautiful traditions of church music, learning not only to sing, but to listen, to lead, and to love this shared art form. That’s why it was such a delight to interview Vera and Loek, two bright and talented young singers who began their musical journey at the Cathedral Choir School in Utrecht. Their stories, originally published in Dutch in Gregoriusblad, are now available below in English — a glimpse into a world where singing is the foundation of everything.
Singing as the Foundation of All Things
(title freely inspired by Georg Philipp Telemann)
What do hip-hop artist Kyteman, concert pianist Daria van den Bercken and folk-rock singer Signe Tollefsen have in common? They all once attended the Cathedral Choir School in Utrecht – a remarkable primary school that combines a standard academic curriculum with intensive musical training. From Year 5 onwards, children are immersed in a unique world of choral music, traditions and collective singing. But what is life really like for today’s pupils? Loek Tol (15) and Vera Boddaert (16), both former choir school pupils who now sing with the Cathedral Choir at the St. Catherine’s Cathedral in Utrecht, share their experiences.
A Brief History
The Utrecht Cathedral Choir School was founded in 1959 by Father Huub Voncken, then conductor of the Cathedral Choir, with the aim of raising the musical level of the choirboys. At first, it was a boys-only school with around 30 to 40 pupils. Girls were admitted from 1968 onwards, allowing for a broader intake.
The school is housed in a 17th-century building on the Plompetorengracht in the heart of Utrecht’s lively city centre. Amidst the hustle and bustle of student life and traffic, the school offers an oasis of quiet, focus, and the shared beauty of breath and voice—an experience that has united people for millennia. The building features bright classrooms, a proper concert hall, a charming chapel, and even a mysterious cellar.
Uniquely, pupils begin only from Year 5, as assessing musical aptitude in younger children is challenging. Entrance is via audition. “It’s exciting, but not scary,” Vera explains. “You sing a little song and clap some rhythms. If you prepare well, it goes fine.”
A Day in the Life
In a time when music education is increasingly marginalised, the Cathedral Choir School stands as a beacon of the importance of art and culture in child development. Yet this doesn’t come at the expense of other subjects. On the contrary—the balance between core academics and music is precisely what many pupils find so special.
“You have normal lessons like maths and language,” says Loek, “but then you alternate with singing and music. That variety makes learning more fun.”
The day often begins early, with rehearsals before traditional subjects start. Pupils receive intensive music lessons that include not only singing but also solfège (ear training). The small-scale setup allows for close bonds with peers and teachers. “It was such a lovely place,” says Vera. “I knew everyone within a month. During breaks, we’d play with kids from other classes. It really felt like a close-knit community.”
Under the guidance of “Miss Hester”, conductor Hester Steensma-Westra, primary school pupils rehearse three mornings a week. Thursday evenings are reserved for the full choir, when secondary school pupils and adult singers join in. Transitioning into the full choir—usually around Year 7—is a big moment.
“You suddenly sing with older students and grown-ups,” Loek recalls. “At first it makes you feel small, but everyone helps and encourages you. You find your place quickly.”
Singing solos is another thrilling, formative experience. Vera shares how the supportive atmosphere made all the difference: “We’ve known each other for so long that making a mistake doesn’t matter. Everyone messes up now and then—we just laugh about it! That freedom means everything.”
This sense of togetherness builds confidence. “You know the others have your back, and that helps you speak up,” Vera adds. Loek agrees: “Because of the choir, I’ve become much more self-assured, even outside of music. If I have to give a presentation now, I’m not nervous at all. I’m used to standing in front of an audience.”
Performances and Travel
Concerts and trips are highlights of choir school life. The choir frequently performs both in the Netherlands and abroad.
“I still remember my first big concert tour vividly,” says Vera. “In Year 5, we travelled to Prague to perform in a huge church. The sound we made together was magical—I’ll never forget it.” Other tours have taken them to cities like Bonn, Maastricht, and Aachen. For many children, these trips are not just performance opportunities but also cultural adventures.
There are also special collaborations closer to home. Recently, the choir performed with the Domstad Youth Orchestra in a grand Christmas concert. “An orchestra adds such a rich, full sound,” Vera beams. “It makes you feel part of something so much bigger.”
Repertoire
The choir’s repertoire is rich and diverse, with a strong focus on Dutch Catholic church music from the 20th century. Composers like Hendrik Andriessen and Herman Strategier, both deeply connected to the Utrecht Cathedral, feature prominently. Alongside this, the choir performs a wide range of liturgical choral music, from Renaissance polyphony to Baroque, Classical, Romantic and even contemporary works—such as pieces by Morten Lauridsen and Arvo Pärt. Anglican and Lutheran traditions also find their way into the programme.
Loek remembers needing time to get used to the volume of music. “All pieces are numbered in our library,” he explains. “At first, you just remember the numbers. But over time, you learn the composers and what the texts mean. That adds a whole new layer to the singing.”
Both Loek and Vera particularly love a Gloria by Joseph Rheinberger. “It’s powerful and festive,” says Vera. “You feel the energy running through the whole choir.” They also adore pieces by John Rutter—“adding piano makes everything different!”—and serene a cappella works like a contemplative Agnus Dei.
Touching and Funny Moments
Life at the choir school is filled with joy and laughter, not just solemn music. One of their most memorable moments was performing a whimsical animal song after a string of serious classical works. “It was about a frog and other animals,” Loek chuckles. “Everyone burst out laughing—even the audience.”
Traditions also play a big role. During rehearsal weekends, older students organise an annual murder mystery game. “We dress up and send the younger kids running through the forest looking for clues,” Vera grins. “It’s thrilling and hilarious. These traditions make you feel truly part of the choir family.”
Former pupils often stay in touch and bump into each other later in the music world. “It feels like a lifelong network,” says Vera. “Even years later, you still know people through the choir.” While not everyone pursues a music career, the love of singing often stays.
“I don’t think I’ll go to conservatoire,” Loek muses, “but singing will always be part of my life.”
Learning and Growing
One of the greatest benefits of choir singing is the personal development it fosters. Pupils learn to work as a team, to perform, and to handle constructive feedback.
“At first, I found singing for a big audience scary,” says Loek. “Now it gives me confidence. You know you can create something beautiful together.”
Vera agrees: “We help each other improve. It’s never mean—it’s about growing together.” That skill—giving and receiving feedback—serves them well beyond music.
The musical training also brings practical benefits. Many pupils learn to read sheet music and develop a keen sense of rhythm and pitch. “I also play the violin,” says Vera. “Thanks to the choir, I can learn new pieces more quickly.”
Church Music and Culture
The school is deeply rooted in the Catholic tradition, and the children appreciate the experience of singing in liturgical settings.
“At Christmas and Easter, the atmosphere in the church is really special,” Vera shares. “You feel part of something much greater.”
Loek has learned more about Bible stories by recognising text fragments in the music. Singing in Latin and understanding the liturgical context also enriches their cultural awareness. “When I started Latin at school, I recognised so many words from the hymns we sing,” Vera says. “It makes the music more meaningful.”
The churches where the choir performs, and the support of regular organist Wouter van Belle, add to the magic. “Singing in a cathedral with a majestic organ behind you is truly unique,” Vera explains. “You can feel the vibrations in your back—the sound fills the whole space.”
A Life in Harmony
The Cathedral Choir School is not only a place that nurtures musical talent; it is also a sanctuary where the tradition of choral singing is cherished and passed on. This aligns with wider cultural movements, like the National Choirs founded by Wilma ten Wolde, which help preserve and renew the singing culture in the Netherlands.
With music as the cement that binds people together, these choirs continue a rich tradition born in churches and monasteries of the past. The choir school is a shining example of how age-old traditions can thrive in the modern age—offering children a strong foundation amidst the challenges of today’s cultural landscape.
Loek and Vera are living proof of the success of this approach. “Singing in the choir taught me so much about teamwork, discipline, and trust,” says Loek. “And the best part is—you carry those lessons with you in everyday life.”
