Amsterdam Gala Orchestra

Step into the enchanting world of classical music in one of Amsterdam’s most hidden and historic treasures—the English Reformed Church at the Begijnhof. Nestled in a serene courtyard dating back to the Middle Ages, this venue provides the perfect setting for an evening of musical brilliance.

Enjoy an extraordinary performance by renowned musicians as they bring to life some of the most celebrated works in classical music history. From the moving melodies of Bach and Mozart to the passionate compositions of Vivaldi and Beethoven, each piece is performed with exceptional artistry, creating an unforgettable experience for all music lovers.

Program:

- A. Vivaldi - The Four Seasons (Spring&Summer)

- J. Pachelbel - Canon & Gigue in D major

- W. A. Mozart - Requiem (Lacrimosa)

- J. S. Bach - Air on the G String

- F. Schubert - Ave Maria

- W. A. Mozart - Salzburg Symphony K136 Allegro

- L. van Beethoven - Symphony No. 5 (Allegro)

TICKETS: €26 advanced sales: tickets - Gala Orchestra

Advent Bible Studies - Join Us!

Come and share in Advent Bible Studies with friends from across the International Presbytery.
We will meet for an hour of reflection, conversation, and fellowship as we prepare for Christmas together.
From 19.30 to 20.30.

All are welcome - bring your curiosity, faith, and good humour!
Contact to sign up: Christine Colliar.

'langs de randen van vreugde en verdriet'

door vijfentwintig stemmen van SLAVUJ - Amsterdamse koor met een on-Nederlands geluid

Dag, bezoeker van de Slavuj-concerten,

In 2025 heeft Slavuj weer menige concertzaal, kerk en feestruimte bezongen. December zal ons weer terugbrengen in de vertrouwde Engelse kerk, geliefd om zijn mooie akoestiek.

Op het programma staan liederen - hernemingen en nieuwe - uit favoriete muzieklanden als Bosnië, Oekraïne, Bulgarije, Roemenië en Georgië, maar nu ook uit Turkije. De makam, de toonladder van de Turkse muziek, draagt bij aan het typische, melancholieke geluid ervan.

Extra kleur krijgt het repertoire door een paar Roma en Sefardische liederen én door een bijzondere soort uit Georgië, de healing songs Batonebo. Daarin worden goede geesten aangeroepen om een zieke (veelal een kind) te genezen. Ze zijn poëtisch bijzonder, maar zeker ook muzikaal, door de polyfone structuur en de bourdon (continue bastoon).

De liederen gaan vrijwel steeds over liefde en verlies, ofwel 'langs de randen van vreugde en verdriet'.

Zoals altijd zijn de arrangementen gemaakt door onze muzikaal leider Ivo Boswijk. Hij bewerkt de oorspronkelijk instrumentale begeleiding tot zingbare stempartijen, veelal a capella, af en toe in combinatie met gitaar.

Graag tot 7 of 13 december!

KAARTEN: €18/€13 via slavuj

20s & 30s Lunch
Every first Sunday of the month the 20s & 30s group from the church meet at Calf & Bloom for lunch and fellowship after the service (around noon).

Anyone is welcome to join! For questions, get in touch with Elisabeth: elisabeth.ijmker@erc.amsterdam

Second Advent Sunday service
Please join us in the church for the Second Advent Sunday service by our minister Rev Marius Louw.
This service includes a celebration of the Lord’s Supper.

For those wishing to join the service online, you can follow the live stream here.

Liturgy sheet.

Amsterdam Gala Orchestra

Step into the enchanting world of classical music in one of Amsterdam’s most hidden and historic treasures—the English Reformed Church at the Begijnhof. Nestled in a serene courtyard dating back to the Middle Ages, this venue provides the perfect setting for an evening of musical brilliance.

Enjoy an extraordinary performance by renowned musicians as they bring to life some of the most celebrated works in classical music history. From the moving melodies of Bach and Mozart to the passionate compositions of Vivaldi and Beethoven, each piece is performed with exceptional artistry, creating an unforgettable experience for all music lovers.

Program:

- A. Vivaldi - The Four Seasons (Spring&Summer)

- J. Pachelbel - Canon & Gigue in D major

- W. A. Mozart - Requiem (Lacrimosa)

- J. S. Bach - Air on the G String

- F. Schubert - Ave Maria

- W. A. Mozart - Salzburg Symphony K136 Allegro

- L. van Beethoven - Symphony No. 5 (Allegro)

TICKETS: €26 advanced sales: tickets - Gala Orchestra

Early Friday Morning Prayers
Join us for informal contemplative prayer mornings led by our minister Marius Louw, every Friday, in the church.
These sessions are open to anyone seeking a quiet environment for prayer and reflection.
We encourage you to come as you are. We look forward to welcoming you!

Coffee Morning
Come and enjoy coffee together. If you are interested to come, please contact Sies Plokker.

Advent Bible Studies - Join Us!

Come and share in Advent Bible Studies with friends from across the International Presbytery.
We will meet on Mondays 1 and 8 December, for an hour of reflection, conversation, and fellowship as we prepare for Christmas together.
From 19.30 to 20.30.

All are welcome - bring your curiosity, faith, and good humour!
Contact to sign up: Christine Colliar.

Zomeroctet

Kamerensemble van blazers en strijkers

o.l.v. Frank van den Brink

Ludwig van Beethoven - Septet opus 20 voor blazers en strijkers

Friedrich Witt - Octet voor blazers en strijkers

Frank van den Brink - klarinet

Toon de Zoeten - fagot

Casper Holl - hoorn

Fieke Smitskamp - viool

Suus van den Akker - viool

Sara Klaassen - altviool

Manon Veenendaal - cello

Giselle Alma-Visch - contrabas

TICKETS: €15 Aan de deur contant of met tikkie; vooraf via: KaartenZomeroctet

First Advent Sunday service

Please join us in the church for the First Advent Sunday service by our minister Rev Marius Louw.
For those wishing to join the service online, you can follow the live stream here.
Liturgy sheet.

Amsterdam Gala Orchestra

Step into the enchanting world of classical music in one of Amsterdam’s most hidden and historic treasures—the English Reformed Church at the Begijnhof. Nestled in a serene courtyard dating back to the Middle Ages, this venue provides the perfect setting for an evening of musical brilliance.

Enjoy an extraordinary performance by renowned musicians as they bring to life some of the most celebrated works in classical music history. From the moving melodies of Bach and Mozart to the passionate compositions of Vivaldi and Beethoven, each piece is performed with exceptional artistry, creating an unforgettable experience for all music lovers.

Program:

- A. Vivaldi - The Four Seasons (Spring&Summer)

- J. Pachelbel - Canon & Gigue in D major

- W. A. Mozart - Requiem (Lacrimosa)

- J. S. Bach - Air on the G String

- F. Schubert - Ave Maria

- W. A. Mozart - Salzburg Symphony K136 Allegro

- L. van Beethoven - Symphony No. 5 (Allegro)

TICKETS: €26 advanced sales: tickets - Gala Orchestra

Early Friday Morning Prayers
Join us for informal contemplative prayer mornings led by our minister Marius Louw, every Friday, in the church.
These sessions are open to anyone seeking a quiet environment for prayer and reflection.
We encourage you to come as you are. We look forward to welcoming you!

Advent Bible Studies - Join Us!

Come and share in Advent Bible Studies with friends from across the International Presbytery.
We will meet on Mondays 24 November, 1 and 8 December, for an hour of reflection, conversation, and fellowship as we prepare for Christmas together. From 19.30 to 20.30.

All are welcome - bring your curiosity, faith, and good humour!
Contact to sign up: Christine Colliar.

Courageous Conversation #4

Entering into difficult conversations together is an important part of our Christian journey. We seek to understand our neighbours and to glimpse the face of God in theirs. At the ERC, we hope to create a space that is both safe and honest,  
a place where we can talk openly about issues that shape our lives beyond the church walls.
The session will be held in the ERC. If you want to know more about the Courageous Conversation,
please contact pastor Marius Louw.

Conversation 4 – Monday 24 November
Letters of Hope, pp. 144-229 (85 Pages).

Het Plantagekoor o.l.v. Bert ‘t Hart

Magnificat – Johann Sebastian Bach

Te Deum - Felix Mendelssohn

Geistliches Lied - Johannes Brahms

Het Magnificat van Bach is een muzikale interpretatie van de Bijbelse lofzang van Maria volgens het evangelie van Lucas. Dit werk componeerde Bach in 1723 in Leipzig. De Bijbelse tekst vertelt over de van Jezus zwangere Maria die een bezoek brengt aan Elisabeth, die van Johannes de Doper zal bevallen. De diepere laag gaat over de rechtvaardigheid van God, die opkomt voor zijn volk; het einde van het onrecht. Het is een protestzang avant la lettre: God laat heersers in het stof bijten en verheft de eenvoudigen, voedt de hongerigen en stuurt de rijken weg.

Voor de koorleden is het een muzikale droom de solo’s met de hele stemgroep te mogen zingen.

Het Te Deum voor achtstemmig gemengd koor, schreef Mendelssohn in 1826 op 17-jarige leeftijd en is beïnvloed door het gelijknamige stuk van Händel. Het Te Deum (Latijn voor "Wij loven U, O God") is een Bijbelse hymne, gebruikt in de Christelijke liturgie.

Het Geistliches Lied van Brahms werd in 1856 gecomponeerd. Hij schreef het voor zijn beroemde Ave Maria en Psalm 13. Het gereserveerde karakter van het stuk bouwt zich op tot het zwaar emotionele Amen, waarin het zijn ontlading vindt.

Voor meer informatie: https://www.plantagekoor.nl/ info@plantagekoor.nl

TICKETS: €25 / €30 aan de deur

Kaarten vooraf: Plantagekoor

Worship service
Please join us in the church for a service of worship by our minister Rev Marius Louw.

For those wishing to join the service online, you can follow the live stream here.

Liturgy sheet.

Between Heart and Heaven

In the tranquil winter season, Wereldkoor Haarlem presents beautiful polyphony from various corners of the globe. Wonderful multi-vocal songs that transcend the boundaries of countries, languages, and faiths, seeking light, love, a new horizon, and the longing for peace and connection. A concert where sound and silence converge – between heart and heaven.

In this atmospheric winter concert, the choir sings about the mysteries of nature, the joys and sorrows of human existence, and the hope for a brighter future. Expect warm Corsican ‘cantu’, Georgian sacred and urban songs, crisp Scandinavian melodies, and exuberantly rhythmic South African harmonies.

Wereldkoor Haarlem was founded in 2010 by Hesje Andersson. Over the years, under the inspiring leadership of conductor and world music expert Tatiana Lina, the choir has built an impressive repertoire of authentic traditional songs from around the world, from Lapland to Lesotho, from Mexico to Marseille. The group has traveled to Russia, Georgia, Germany, and France, among other places, to perform, but above all, in search of inspiration and connection.

TICKETS: €17,50 (incl. coffee/tea after the concert)

at the door or via: https://koortickets.nl/ticketshop.php?nl&ids=648 

Gelijk Gestemd

De mooiste muziek uit alle tijden door en voor vrouwen

Kom luisteren naar het najaarsconcert van koor Luz op zaterdag 22 november. Dit koor, bestaande uit 16 zangeressen en dirigente Julia Koelmans, werpt nieuw licht op muziek.

Het repertoire van het concert bestaat uit muziekstukken van voornamelijk vrouwelijke componisten.

We zingen stukken van o.a. Sarah Quartel, Fanny Hendel, Eleanor Daley en Amy Beach. 

TICKETS: €12,50 / €5 kind

Betalen aan de deur, via QR code of contant

Het programmaboekje is vanaf 8 November te vinden op www.koorluz.nl

Amsterdam Gala Orchestra

Step into the enchanting world of classical music in one of Amsterdam’s most hidden and historic treasures—the English Reformed Church at the Begijnhof. Nestled in a serene courtyard dating back to the Middle Ages, this venue provides the perfect setting for an evening of musical brilliance.

Enjoy an extraordinary performance by renowned musicians as they bring to life some of the most celebrated works in classical music history. From the moving melodies of Bach and Mozart to the passionate compositions of Vivaldi and Beethoven, each piece is performed with exceptional artistry, creating an unforgettable experience for all music lovers.

Program:

- A. Vivaldi - The Four Seasons (Spring&Summer)

- J. Pachelbel - Canon & Gigue in D major

- W. A. Mozart - Requiem (Lacrimosa)

- J. S. Bach - Air on the G String

- F. Schubert - Ave Maria

- W. A. Mozart - Salzburg Symphony K136 Allegro

- L. van Beethoven - Symphony No. 5 (Allegro)

TICKETS: €26 advanced sales: tickets - Gala Orchestra

Early Friday Morning Prayers
Join us for informal contemplative prayer mornings led by our minister Marius Louw, every Friday, in the church.
These sessions are open to anyone seeking a quiet environment for prayer and reflection.
We encourage you to come as you are. We look forward to welcoming you!

Taizé service
We hold our Taizé service each month together with our friends from the Roman Catholic Chapel. 
The Taizé service is a short meditative service, inspired by and with music from the Taizé community. It will be followed by some time for fellowship and refreshments. 
The service will be held at the Roman Catholic Chapel, across the entrance of the ERC.

Ana Beatriz Manzanilla - violin

Francisca Fins - violin

Pedro Saglimbeni Muñoz - viola

Fernando Costa - cello

Program:

Fernando Lopes-Graça – Suite Rustica nº 2

  – Melancolico
  – Danzante
  – Scherzoso
  – In modo di Ninna-Nanna
  – Gaio

Heitor Villa-Lobos – Melancolia (uit kwartet nº 1)

Joly Braga-Santos – Kwartet nº 2 in a-klein op. 27

  – Largo-Allegro moderato
  – Adagio molto
  – Largo-Allegro molto vivace

This year, we celebrate the 500th anniversary of the birth of Luís de Camões, the iconic embodiment of Portuguese language and culture. This musical program pays tribute to Camões's legacy through works that, each in its own way, evoke the soul of a people, collective memory, and the universality of human emotion—central themes in the poet's work.

We open with the Suite Rústica No. 2 by Fernando Lopes-Graça, a composer who, like Camões, returned to his traditional roots to distill an artistic identity from them. The five short movements—from the nostalgic Melancólico to the exuberant Gaio—present a soundscape characterized by the expressiveness of traditional folk music, as if each dance and melody evoked the distant echoes of an inner epic poet. Next, Melancolia from Quartet No. 1 by Heitor Villa-Lobos brings us closer to the introspective dimension of Camões' poetry—the fado, lost love, the reflection on time and existence. Although Brazilian, this piece has the same Portuguese-Brazilian spirit that connects Camões to the Atlantic world, where the sense of exile and saudade resonates. The program concludes with Quartet No. 2 in A minor, Op. 27 by Joly Braga Santos. Its powerful and lyrical expression dialogues with Camões' humanist and heroic ideals. The alternation between moments of solemnity, lyricism, and musical bravado evokes passages from the epic poem Os Lusíadas, in which fate, the sea, and the homeland merge into a single voice. Thus, this selection of works is not merely a musical tribute, but a gesture of cultural continuity – paying tribute in sounds to Camões’ enduring heritage.

Camerata Atlântica is a musical project founded by Venezuelan violinist Ana Beatriz Manzanilla, its artistic director. It consists of 11 professional string musicians, but the Camerata is so flexible that it can be expanded to a wider ensemble, depending on the repertoire being performed. Since its first concert in November 2013, Camerata Atlântica has performed at various international festivals. In 2023, it participated in the production of Britten's opera "The Turn of the Screw" at the Belém Cultural Centre in Lisbon. Camerata Atlântica is scheduled to perform in various Spanish cities, including Madrid, Burgos, Cádiz, and Vigo. In May 2016, they were selected by the classical radio station Antena 2 to perform "Fuga para a América Latina" at the conclusion of the European Broadcasting Union's special series entitled "The Influence of Latin America." It was later broadcast in Germany, Bulgaria, Croatia, Spain, Greece, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Romania. In 2021, they released their second CD, Bows Up!, on Naxos. It was dedicated to Portuguese string music from the 20th and 21st centuries. Camerata Atlântica focuses primarily on Portuguese music through performances and recordings of an extensive repertoire of Portuguese composers and major premieres of works, several of which are dedicated to the ensemble.

More information: Camerata Atlantica

TICKETS: 16nov.stager

Worship service
Please join us in the church for a service of worship by our minister Rev Marius Louw.

For those wishing to join the service online, you can follow the live stream here.

Liturgy sheet.

FRAGMENTS – Echoes of a Father

A musical narrative about memory, loss, and the echo of a voice.

In FRAGMENTS – Echoes of a Father, Olga Vocal Ensemble and poet Maureen Ghazal take the audience on an intimate journey through a man's life—from youthful dreams to old age, marked by war, exile, and the longing for home.

The performance combines polyphonic singing with spoken poetry, connecting memories with the present. The repertoire is rich and international: Russian, Palestinian, Ukrainian, Hebrew, and Hawaiian songs are interspersed with classical works, spirituals, and pop songs. Each song carries a fragment of a larger story.

Through her poetry, Maureen Ghazal brings an empathetic layer to the story, in which the father figure symbolizes many, and the larger story is told about displacement, uprooting, and the search for connection in a world torn apart.

The music resonates in varying configurations throughout the space—sometimes close-up, sometimes from a distance—like echoes from a past that still resonate. Together, the voices tell a story about what we lose, what we carry with us, and what might one day bring us home again.

Olga Vocal Ensemble is known for its expressive, technically refined performances. In FRAGMENTS, the ensemble uses space theatrically: the singers move through and around the audience, literally bringing the music closer. Ghazal's poetry forms the thread that connects the story—a father who symbolizes many.

The performance is directed by Tom Jaspers of Huijkelom | Petronella. During this concert, Maureen will be replaced by Marieke Polderdijk.

More information: https://www.olgavocalensemble.com/

TICKETS: €22,50 / €10,00 reduction

via: https://www.ticketkantoor.nl/shop/olga-amsterdam

Mit Fried und Freud

Instrumental Works of the German Baroque

Horizon Ensemble

Rachael Beesley, violin

Kate Clark, traverso

Kathryn Cok, harpsichord

Cassandra Luckhardt, viola da gamba

Program: Works by Bach and Telemann

TICKETS: €17,50/€5 students, available at the door.

Early Friday Morning Prayers
Join us for informal contemplative prayer mornings led by our minister Marius Louw, every Friday, in the church.
These sessions are open to anyone seeking a quiet environment for prayer and reflection.
We encourage you to come as you are. We look forward to welcoming you!

Amsterdam Gala Orchestra

Step into the enchanting world of classical music in one of Amsterdam’s most hidden and historic treasures—the English Reformed Church at the Begijnhof. Nestled in a serene courtyard dating back to the Middle Ages, this venue provides the perfect setting for an evening of musical brilliance.

Enjoy an extraordinary performance by renowned musicians as they bring to life some of the most celebrated works in classical music history. From the moving melodies of Bach and Mozart to the passionate compositions of Vivaldi and Beethoven, each piece is performed with exceptional artistry, creating an unforgettable experience for all music lovers.

Program:

- A. Vivaldi - The Four Seasons (Spring&Summer)

- J. Pachelbel - Canon & Gigue in D major

- W. A. Mozart - Requiem (Lacrimosa)

- J. S. Bach - Air on the G String

- F. Schubert - Ave Maria

- W. A. Mozart - Salzburg Symphony K136 Allegro

- L. van Beethoven - Symphony No. 5 (Allegro)

TICKETS: €26 advanced sales: tickets - Gala Orchestra

Bible Study
All are very welcome to join our ERC Bible study, led by our minister, Rev Marius Louw.
This will be a hybrid meeting; you can join at the Manse or via zoom.
For details please contact Peggy Krol to receive the relevant materials and link to participate.

Women’s Fellowship
Please join us for our Women’s Fellowship. We have a potluck dinner together, a devotional and a time of sharing and prayer.
For details, please contact Peggy Krol.