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!

Cooking at the Kloof
With a small group of volunteers we will be cooking lunch for 45-80 homeless people in the city centre of Amsterdam.
Would you like to take part in this creative, culinary experience and get to know, or catch up with, other volunteers?
Please send an e-mail to Andrea Parks for more information.

Please join us in the church for a service of worship by our minister Rev Marius Louw.
This service will be joined by ministers and clerks of the International Presbytery.

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

Liturgy sheet will follow.

Potluck lunch
Before the representatives to the International Presbytery meeting from our sister churches leave, we will give them a send off with another potluck lunch! You are invited to bring a dish for this event. 

If you would like to bring something sweet or savoury for this lunch, please do so.
You can also indicate it on a sign-up sheet at church or send a message (also if you want more information) to harvest@erc.amsterdam.

TICKETS: €10 via: www.ikw-amsterdam.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!

A Gala Event!

“Beneath the Northern Lights”

Oslo Voices

perform a

Benefit Concert for Mulanje Mission Hospital

“Beneath the Northern Lights” captures the unique soundscape and harmonies of Nordic music. With this program, Oslo Voices seeks to offer comfort and serenity in a restless world. The repertoire features works by composers such as Edvard Grieg, Knut Nystedt, Morten Lauridsen, Frank Havrøy and others. It blends classical Norwegian folk melodies and selected English pieces that reflect the setting of this concert.

“We are delighted to present this program at the English Church in Amsterdam and look forward to an evening of beautiful and moving music.”

About the choir:

Oslo Voices is an acclaimed chamber choir based in Oslo, Norway, consisting of approximately 28 singers. The choir regularly performs in the Oslo area and has toured internationally in recent years, with concerts in Norway, Germany, Estonia, and the United Kingdom.

Under the direction of conductor Ingrid Hanken, Oslo Voices seeks to move audiences through present and engaging interpretations of a diverse repertoire. Recent programs have featured music by both historical and contemporary composers, including Norwegian names such as Edvard Grieg, Knut Nystedt, Henrik Ødegaard, Bjørn Morten Christophersen, Trond Kverno, and others, alongside works by Bach, Mozart, MacMillan, Reger, Willcocks, and more.

While Oslo Voices primarily performs a cappella, the choir also embraces larger productions. Recent highlights include Mozart’s Requiem, and in 2026, the choir will present Bach’s St. John Passion in collaboration with musicians from Oslo Circles and renowned soloists including Guy Cutting, Berit Norbakken, Marianne Beate Kielland, and others.

Photo: Peter Adamik

Mulanje Mission Hospital

Join us for this Gala Evening for the benefit of Mulanje Mission Hospital. Tonight’s acclaimed artists are very kindly and generously offering this concert without financial interest so that 100% of the proceeds can go to MMH! The English Reformed Church has for many years supported this hospital in Malawi and these benefit concerts are a major part of that long history.

TICKETS: €25

Advanced sale: https://englishreformedchurch.tickable.nl/mmh-benefit-concert---oslo-voices

Also:

Ensemble Fronimo

Yeela Avital - soprano

Eitan Hoffer - Baroque violin and Archlute

Emma Huijsser - Baroque Harp

Alon Portal - Viola da Gamba

“The Muses’ Garden of Delights”

Italian and English Baroque music from the 17th century

works by: Monteverdi, Purcell, Matheis

https://youtu.be/P12rsf5Ym48

TICKETS: €18 at https://www.ticketkantoor.nl/shop/ensemblefronimo

or €20 at the door

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 will follow.

Raízes

Fernando Lopes-Graça (1906-1994)
Variations on a theme from Portuguese folk music

Sérgio Azevedo (1968)
Country Pieces, 2nd script
  I. Prelude with toccata
  II. Retaliation
  III. Jogo de Quintas
  IV. Garraiada
  V. Song
  VI. Crickets and Cicadas
  VII. Flutes and Drums

João Carlos Pinto (1998)
Four Traditional Portuguese Songs
  I. Os amores da azeitona / The Loves of the Olive Harvest
  II. Oh, Blessed Breeze
  III. My Love Gave Me a Handkerchief
  IV. Be Gone, Boogeyman

Amílcar Vasques-Dias (1945)
Lume de chão Kuilvuur – interwoven memories (selection)
  Eira do Outeiro - Threshing floor on the hill
  Flax
  By the Fire
  Shutter
  Tear-Tecer - Loom Weaving

António Pinho Vargas (1951)
  The Black Fado
  Que Amor Não Me Engana - That Amor Does Not Deceive Me (José Afonso)
  Cantiga prá Maria - Song for Maria

"Raízes" is a piano recital focused on Portuguese identity and the traditional sources and traditions that have shaped it over the centuries. The diversity of Portuguese folk music, resulting from the intermingling of peoples and cultures that have passed through or settled here over the course of more than 900 years of history, is remarkable for such a small country, despite its numerous geographical and cultural contrasts. While we have encountered examples of the use of folk music by classical composers before the 20th century, with Fernando Lopes-Graça, folklore became a model for later composers. This recital explores various expressions of this ancestral Portuguese identity, beginning with Fernando Lopes-Graça's earliest work. Following this are several generations of composers who had contact with him and studied with him, such as Sérgio Azevedo, or who were simply inspired by him or saw him as an ethical and artistic model, such as Amílcar Vasques Dias or António Pinho Vargas. João Carlos Pinto, the youngest composer in this recital, shows us that Portuguese musical traditions were not exhausted by previous composers as material for more sophisticated musical forms and that they continue to open doors to a future deeply rooted in Portuguese identity.

Diana Botelho Vieira (Azores, 1984) is one of the most active pianists in the Portuguese music scene, with a solid and versatile career. She participates in projects that combine piano tradition with artistic innovation. She has performed piano recitals and chamber music, and as a soloist with orchestras in Portugal, Spain, France, the Netherlands, England, the US, and South America.

She has won the Young Musicians Award – RDP Antena 2 in the piano category, as well as the Búzio Revelação (Expresso das 9) and the Prémio Cultura (Correio dos Açores). She has performed as a soloist with the Orquestra de Câmara de Cascais e Oeiras, Orquestra Clássica do Centro, Sinfonietta de Ponta Delgada, Orquestra da Universidade Politécnica da Catalunha, Mission Chamber Orchestra, Ensemble de Sopros de Leiria, and Sinfonietta de Castelo Branco, under the direction of conductors Yuri Pankiv, Jean-Marc Burfin, Nikolay Lalov, José Eduardo Gomes, Amâncio Cabral, Mario Brandl García, Emily Ray, Alberto Roque, and Bruno Cândido. She has participated in festivals such as the Summer Institute for Contemporary Performance Practice (Boston), PianoFest (Chicago), Embassy Series – Uniting People Through Musical Diplomacy (Washington/DC), Meadowmount School of Music (New York), the Badajoz Ibérico Festival, Dias da Música at the CCB, Temporada Artística dos Açores, Porto PianoFest (online edition), the Viseu International Festival of Music, the Póvoa de Varzim International Festival, Música em Si Menor, the Lagoa/Algarve Piano Festival, the Santarém Piano Week, the Q.Art Festival, the Prolífica Festival, and the Matosinhos Piano Festival.

Diana incorporates music by Portuguese composers into her recitals each season. She has recorded and premiered several CDs of Portuguese music.

More information: Vieira

TICKETS: 19oct.stager

Rose Hill School Choir

Rose Hill Choir is an accomplished choir, with many of the group having sung in large festivals and concerts in a variety of venues. The children's approach to singing is one of joy and this is evident when listening and watching their performances. Despite the young ages of the choir the level of singing ability is spectacular, and the choice of repertoire is varied including traditional and modern choral works, songs from musicals, fun rounds and energetic songs. Many of the choir are also talented instrumental soloists some of which you will hear during the concerts.

Elisa Harrod (conductor) has taught music and directed choirs for over 20 years and is Director of Music at Rose Hill School. She studied music at Kings College University London and violin and piano at the Royal Academy of music. She has since published books, choral repertoire and directed many singing festivals and children's choirs. Elisa's approach to children's singing is to develop a love of singing through carefully chosen repertoire, having fun and a high expectation of choral singing sound.

Helen Everton (conductor) is a professional singer who has performed as a soloist in London for over 25 years. She started music-making from an early age as a pianist, cellist and singer. She was a music scholar, principal cello in the County Orchestra and member of the Rodolfus Choir and National Youth Choir. At university she sang in the Chapel Choir as well as performing in Operas and Musicals and many other ensembles. Helen teaches singing and theory at Rose Hill School, inter alia, as well as having a flourishing private practice. She also loves to take small ensembles and rehearse and conduct school choirs. Her overriding aim is to encourage the love of music and singing in all children so they have the skills to sing for the rest of their lives – whether in university choirs, choral societies, church choirs or any form of ensemble.

Programme to include:

O Waly Waly (traditional Scottish Folk Song)    

Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho (traditional spiritual)

Close to You

Air on a G String - Cello, Violin and Piano - (J S Bach)

Sea Shanty Medley (traditional)

Daar was Laatst een Meisje Loos (Traditional Netherlands)

Bring Me Little Water Sylvie

Chanson D’amour (Elgar)

Scottish Folk Medley - violin solo

Edelweiss

Flash Bang Wallop (Bart)

Jerusalem (Parry)

FREE entry

Bromsgrove School Orchestra

James McKelvey, conductor

Will give a free lunch concert.

Bromsgrove School has a local and national reputation for Music. Its musical provision is based on a philosophy of ‘music for all’ and looks to embrace all musical styles and combinations to allow each student at school to find their voice and achieve their full musical potential. The Music Department is situated at the heart of the school with large teaching spaces and individual practice rooms surrounding a 300-seater Concert Hall. Frequent performances take place there, as well as further afield including around the Worcestershire county, and in Birmingham, London and abroad. Many students in the Orchestra today are Music Scholars, some are studying GCSE or A Level Music and intending to make Music their career; for others, Music is already a hobby which they intend to enjoy for life. What is central to the students represented here is their tangible love of Music and we look forward to performing here whilst on tour to make wonderful memories of their time at Bromsgrove School.

FREE entry

Let us intercede: leading the prayers of intercession in your local church
Join us for two evening seminars hosted by the International Presbytery, offering an introduction to intercessory prayer,
the vital and powerful practice of praying on behalf of others. 

Led by the Revered Irene Bom, the Presbytery Worship and Prayer Promoter.

These sessions will explore biblical foundations, share real-life stories, and provide simple ways to begin or deepen your intercessory practice within your congregation. Whether you’re new to leading prayers in church, or seeking to grow in confidence, there will be space to learn, reflect, and share together. All are welcome.

The sessions are online using Teams. For more information, please contact Christine Colliar.

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.

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

Founded in 1863 by the Fathers of the Oratory, The London Oratory School is one of England's oldest and most distinguished Catholic state-funded boys’ schools, and a place where music, and especially choral music thrives. The school maintains a special focus on Catholic liturgy, and all boys learn how to sing plainchant and hymnody. There are three separate boys’ choirs, numerous orchestras, and 800 individual instrumental music lessons take place each week.

The CHAMBER CHOIR is comprised of about sixty Senior School boys and Sixth Form Girls. The choir sings at major liturgical events through the year, gives charity concerts, makes recordings and undertakes foreign tours. Recent destinations have included Normandy, Prague, Vienna and New York. The choir prepares a large scale work with orchestra each term, recently Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, and John Rutter’s Feel the Spirit.

James Speakman – Conductor

George de Voil - Organ

PROGRAM:

Insanae et vanae curae - Joseph Haydn

Requiem in D minor - Excerpts - W.A. Mozart

“A Musical Postcard from England” - works by John Rutter, C.V. Stanford, Charles Wood, G.F. Handel

JAMES SPEAKMAN grew up in Liverpool, and following an Organ Scholarship at Liverpool Cathedral, he read Music at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, as Organ Scholar. James is now Assistant Director of Music at The London Oratory School, where he balances his academic teaching with directing the Chamber Choir, and other school ensembles. A prize-winning Associate of the Royal College of Organists, James recently took up the position of Organist & Director of Music at St John’s Church, Notting Hill, where he oversees the organ and choral scholarship programme and runs a musicians-in-residence scheme. He has recently given recitals in Oxford, and at Westminster Abbey.

FREE entry

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 will follow.

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

Playstrings

Directed by: Melinda & James Greenfield

Play Strings Academy is a thriving specialist music school based in Colchester, Essex, UK. The school is run by violinist Melinda Greenfield and her husband, cellist James Greenfield. Nurturing local talent, Play Strings offers classes in musicianship and stringed instruments to students from the very young to post diploma level. In 2024, the students travelled to Belgium to perform at venues in Ghent and Bruges. Their concert at the English Reformed church on 1st November, will include music by Mozart, Dvorak, Elgar and Purcell. 

FREE entry

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

For those wishing to join the service online, the link for the live stream will follow.

Liturgy sheet will follow.

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

Courageous Conversation #3

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 3 – Monday 3 November
Reading the Bible with Palestinian Christians, pp. 47–143 (96 Pages).

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

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

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.

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!

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, the link for the live stream will follow.

Liturgy sheet will follow.

Fado and other melancholies

No tempo de Camões - In the time of Camões
  António Carreira (1520-30? – 1587-97?) – Lyric with four glosses

Melancolias - Melancholies
  Carlos Seixas (1704-1742) – Menuet
  João Domingos Bomtempo (1775-1842) – Largo (van Sonata opus 13)
  Luiz de Freitas Branco (1890-1955) – Prelude
  António Pinho Vargas 91951) – Games

Fado’s
  João Gonçalves Simões (1895-1971) – Fado
  Ruy Coelho (1889-1986) – Fado de Lisboa
  João Maria de Abreu Mota (1914-1959) – Black Eyes (Fado)
  Sérgio Azevedo (1968) – Almost a fado… *#

Outras Melancolias - Other Melancholieën
  Sérgio Azevedo
    – Nokturny i Mazurki (selectionss)
    – Stukken voor kerkklokken
    – Album met Leoš Janáček I & II (selections) *
    – Flowing Waters – Music for Amsterdam *#

* World première
# Commissioned by Q.Art Events

This recital takes us through Portuguese keyboard music, which primarily evokes melancholy, a state of mind present not only in much of so-called classical music, but also essential to fado. This is the popular music form that best represents Portuguese culture. Starting with the Renaissance song written by António Carreira (and thus evoking the great figure of the poet Luís Vaz de Camões, whose 500th birthday was celebrated in 2024), we move through the music of Carlos Seixas, Bomtempo, and on to the present day. We hear pieces in which saudade, that typically Portuguese melancholy, the predominant feeling of fado (from "fatum" = fate), is unmistakably present. We would also like to mention the absolute premiere of two pieces by Sérgio Azevedo commissioned by Q.Art Events, one that evokes the idea of a fado (... almost a fado...), and the second that is dedicated to the city of Amsterdam (Flowing Waters – Music for Amsterdam).

Sérgio Azevedo, composer, was born in Coimbra, Portugal, in 1968. He studied with Fernando Lopes-Graça at the Academia de Amadores de Música and with Christopher Bochmann and Constança Capdeville at the Escola Superior de Música de Lisboa (ESML), where he completed his degree in composition with the highest marks. He has won several national and international awards, including the United Nations Prize and the Prémio Autores (Portuguese organization SPA) in 2010. His works are regularly commissioned and performed by prestigious performers and orchestras, and can be heard on more than 50 CDs. He has published three books: “A Invenção dos Sons” [The Invention of Sounds], “Olga Prats – Um Piano Singular”, and “Christopher Bochmann: Sem música a vida seria um erro” [Without Music, Life Would Be a Mistake] and two more are in progress: “Guia dos Jovens para a Composição Musical” [Young People’s Guide to Musical Composition] and “A Música das Imagens” [The Music of Images], about the relationship between music and film. He also writes for “The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians” and since 1993 he has produced hundreds of programmes for the Portuguese Radio – Antena 2. Currently (2023) he is broadcasting “Ao Sabor da Corrente” [According to the Current]. Since 2021, he has been teaching two courses on classical music and film music at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. Sérgio Azevedo holds a doctorate from the University of Minho and has been a lecturer in Composition and Orchestration at ESML since 1993.

More information: Azevedo

TICKETS: 9nov.stager

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!

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.

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

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, the link for the live stream will follow.

Liturgy sheet will follow.

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

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.

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!

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

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 

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, the link for the live stream will follow.

Liturgy sheet will follow.

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

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).

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!

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, the link for the live stream will follow.

Liturgy sheet will follow.

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

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

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, the link for the live stream will follow.

Liturgy sheet will follow.

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

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, the link for the live stream will follow.

Liturgy sheet will follow.

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, the link for the live stream will follow.

Liturgy sheet will follow.

Christmas Eve service

Please join us in church for the Christmas Eve service.
We will start at 22:00 with carol singing.

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

Liturgy sheet.

Christmas Day Service

Please join us in the church for the Christmas Day service.
For those wishing to join the service online, you can follow the live stream here.
Liturgy sheet.

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, the link for the live stream will follow.

Liturgy sheet will follow.

The King’s School Worcester is an English independent school of 900 pupils and was refounded by Henry VIII in 1541. The school is adjacent to Worcester Cathedral where the choir performs regularly. All the Cathedral Choristers are educated at the School.    Music plays an important role in the life of the school with numerous choirs and orchestras and a regular series of solo and ensemble concerts each term. Many former pupils have gone on to have careers as professional performers and conductors. Recent tours have included Venice in 2018 where the choir performed Mass at St Mark’s Basilica, Malta in 2020 where they took part in a live broadcast of Mass on Maltese television, Paris in  2023 where they performed at La Madeleine and St Sulpice and Belgium in 2024 which included a performance at the Menin Gate ceremony in Ypres.

Simon Taranczuk - conductor

Program to include:

Choir : sanctus and Benedictus from The Armed Man by Karl Jenkins

Choir : Duduz umoya wami by Mzwandile Mabuza

Organ solo

Chamber Orchestra (strings) : Symphony by William Boyce

School Orchestra: Slow  movement from New World Symphony – Dvorak.

FREE entry

Founded in 1982 by Dr. Jerome L. Wright, and currently led by Artistic Director Sarra S. Doyle, the Seattle Girls Choir provides a comprehensive choral education with an emphasis on vocal technique, musical literacy, and ensemble performance. We currently serve around 250 choristers from Seattle and the greater King County region. Choristers attend over 90 different schools. We have levels of instruction for choristers in kindergarten through high school, in addition to a training choir for older beginning singers and a contemporary choir for teens.

Each season’s rehearsals run September through June. Instruction includes music theory, sight-singing, ear-training, vocal training, and performance skills. In the summer months, we run day camps (which serve as many choristers’ introduction to SGC), as well as an Overnight Camp for older choristers. Additionally, we have a longstanding tradition of travel, which includes workshops, festivals, conventions, competitions, and domestic and international performance

FREE entry