Netherlands Radio Choir

The Netherlands Radio Choir was founded shortly after the end of the Second World War to perform the great choral symphonic repertoire. To this day, it is the only choir with this mission in the Netherlands. Closely associated with Dutch public broadcasting, its concerts are part of the NTR ZaterdagMatinee, AVROTROS Vrijdagconcert, and Het Zondagochtend Concert series. The choir’s repertoire ranges from the Romantic era to the present day. It has premiered numerous new works, including scores by MacMillan, Henze, and Adams, as well as by Dutch composers such as Peter-Jan Wagemans, Bart Visman, and Giel Vleggaar. The ensemble performs regularly with the Netherlands Philharmonic Radio Orchestra and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. It has worked with Bernard Haitink, Riccardo Chailly, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, and Mariss Jansons. Benjamin Goodson has served as Principal Conductor since 2020. Highlights in recent decades have included concerts with Jean Fournet, Eugen Jochum, and Carlo Maria Giulini. The Dutch premiere of Britten’s War Requiem (1964) under the baton of the composer and Haitink is particularly memorable. The Netherlands Radio Choir is committed to promoting highly talented young musicians through a trainee program. Numerous recordings document its artistic achievements, including interpretations of works by Alphons Diepenbrock, Edward Elgar, Gustav Mahler, Francis Poulenc, Wolfgang Rihm, and Richard Wagner. Together with the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, the choir was awarded the Concertgebouw Prize in 2017.

One previous Lucerne Festival appearance: on 5 September 2001, when the Choir took part in a performance of Mahler’s Second Symphony with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra led by Riccardo Chailly. 

June 2025