The Dutch Handel Society, in collaboration with Ton Koopman and the Comenius Museum, is organising the 'Dutch Handel Days' for the first time. This event came about after inspiring talks with their ambassador the baroque specialist Ton Koopman. Especially for this occasion, the musician will exhibit his collection of prints, historical documents and original editions surrounding composer Georg Friedrich Handel at the Comenius Museum in Naarden.
Messiah
The Handel Society is a household name in the world of singing choirs. For years, this amateur choir has been known as one of the better choirs in the Netherlands. A brief review. The origins of the Dutch Handel Society lie in Bussum, where it was founded in 1934 as the Christian Oratorio Society 'Bel Canto'. During the Second World War, Jack Loorij was appointed conductor and under his direction, among other things, the English 'Messiah' by Georg Friedrich Handel was rehearsed - in secret. In late 1946, this oratorio was performed at the Concertgebouw and the board changed the name 'Bel Canto' to Handel Society.
For forty years, until 1987, Loorij led the choir. In 1989, Thijs Kramer took over the baton and passed it back to conductor Andrew Wise in 2011. This musical leadership lasted until 2016. Until 2021, the choir worked with guest conductors. Since then, it has been led by Paul Valk.
Board member Ellen Klomp, who has the artistic affairs portfolio under her belt, determines the programming together with the conductor, among others. ,,Traditionally, the Handel Society, with its more than 80 members, performs the 'Messiah' every year in the Grote Kerk in Naarden and in the Concertgebouw. In 2026, we will be 80 years old. After eighty years, our choir is still active. How is that possible? Because we are an enthusiastic group of people who sing with heart and soul. What binds us is the love of music and the will to create something beautiful together. We consciously choose beautiful choral works, striving for quality."
Handel Days
From 11 October to 9 November, Naarden is dedicated to 'Handel Days'. ,, The composer takes centre stage in the fortified town. Georg Friedrich Händel (1685-1759) was one of the most influential composers of the Baroque period. His music not only resounded in churches and theatres, but also found its way into salons, pleasure gardens, royal palaces and even political gatherings. "When Ton Koopman turned 80 last year, he included three oratorios by Handel on his programme on the occasion of his birthday, not often performed. He had been working on that for some time, and for the 'Handel Days', a fine programme and exhibition emerged from that."
On Saturday 11 October, Koopman's wife Tini Mathot (harpsichord) and Reine Marie Verhagen (recorder) and Robert Smith (viola da gamba) will play sonatas by Handel. Tuesday 21 October will be followed by a performance of trio sonatas by the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra conducted by Koopman. On Tuesday 28 October, the Handel Society, accompanied by the Holland Symphony Orchestra, performs the Royal Handel programme with 'Funeral for Queen Caroline' and 'Coronation Anthems'. Koopman will play Handel's 'Organ Concerto HWV 289'.
On Wednesday 29 October, he will give master classes to students and graduates of the conservatories of The Hague and Amsterdam on ornamentation in the song art of G.F. Handel.
The 'Handel Days in Naarden' will conclude on Saturday 1 November with a concert by the Apollo Ensemble and soprano Siri Thornhill, featuring trio sonatas, arias and a cantata.
Handel in Naarden
The exhibition 'Handel in Naarden' at the Comenius Museum is curated from Ton Koopman's extraordinary collection. Ellen Klomp: ,,He owns a collection of unique prints, original manuscripts and historical documents that were previously kept in his home in Bussum, but are now stored in the 'Orpheus Institute' at Ghent University. A climate-controlled storage area has been created there for his valuables. Ton finds it important that students or interested parties also have access to these special pieces and that they remain well preserved."
The exhibition tells a story of Handel and the world he lived in. Who was Handel? How was he seen by his contemporaries? Which musicians brought his works to life? How was he depicted in art and what does that say about his status? ,'Handel in Naarden' offers a nice insight into his archive. It is also possible to buy a ticket for a guided tour given by the maestro himself - an excellent opportunity."
