Masterclass Mozart, Handel, Bach | Ton Koopman | Amersfoort
On Monday 8 June, Carpenter Concerts presents a special musical day in the beautiful St Aegtenkapel in Amersfoort. During this day, young singers aged 19 to 25 will take part in a masterclass on the works of Mozart, Handel and Bach, led by the internationally renowned conductor, organist and harpsichordist Ton Koopman.
The singers have been selected by Irene Verburg and are largely part of De Tuin, the talent development programme of the National Choirs. Several of them are currently studying at conservatoires in cities including Utrecht, The Hague and New York.
These dedicated and talented young musicians each choose a work by one of the great masters, which they prepare under the guidance of Irene Verburg. During the public masterclass, they will further develop their artistic interpretation and technical skills under the inspiring direction of Ton Koopman. The results of this work will be presented later that evening in a concert.
A unique experience
Attending a vocal masterclass with Ton Koopman offers a rare opportunity to experience at close range how Baroque music truly comes to life. As a listener, you not only hear the music of composers such as Mozart, Handel and Bach, but also gain insight into the refined process behind performance.
Ton Koopman is widely known for his profound understanding of style, interpretation and historically informed performance practice. Through his guidance, he is able to elevate singers to a higher artistic level.
Listening to his feedback is what makes the experience particularly engaging. You begin to notice how subtle nuances in breath, articulation and expression can transform the character of the music. As a result, your listening deepens, becoming more attentive and more aware. It is an inspiring and often moving experience to witness music evolving in the moment.
Masterclass and concert
The masterclass takes place from 15:00 to 17:00 at the St Aegtenkapel in Amersfoort. At 19:30, the day concludes with a concert in which the singers present what they have developed during the afternoon session.
You are invited to take time in between to enjoy the city, perhaps with a meal, and make the day a complete and festive experience. It is also possible to attend only the masterclass or the concert. The combination of coaching and performance creates a meaningful encounter between young vocal talent, an internationally acclaimed musician, and the audience.
About De Tuin – talent programme of the National Choirs
De Tuin is a training programme of the National Choirs for young, talented singers who wish to further develop their solo skills. Within this programme, they receive coaching from experienced musicians, work with guest teachers, and gain stage experience through concerts and masterclasses.
The programme forms an important step between formal study and a professional career in classical music. De Tuin is led by Irene Verburg, conductor, soprano, and director of the National Choirs.
Practical information
Masterclass Mozart, Handel, Bach with Ton Koopman
Organisation: Carpenter Concerts
Date: Sunday, 8 June
Masterclass: 15:00 – 17:00
Evening concert: 19:30 – 21:30
Location: St Aegtenkapel, Amersfoort
Tickets
Masterclass: €22
Concert: €25
Combination ticket (masterclass + concert): €35
Young people up to 30 years: €5
Location
St Aegtenkapel
’t Zand 37
3811 GB Amersfoort
Accessibility: The chapel is located in the city centre.
Parking: The nearest car park is Flintplein (Coninckstraat 60), approximately a 5-minute walk.
Public transport: From Amersfoort station, buses 1, 2, 3, 4, 74 or 76 to the “Stadhuis” stop, followed by a 5-minute walk.
Ton Koopman
The Dutch conductor, organist and harpsichordist Ton Koopman (Zwolle, 2 October 1944) is one of the leading figures in the field of historically informed performance practice. Over a career spanning more than sixty years, he has had a profound influence on the way Baroque music, particularly the works of Johann Sebastian Bach, is performed and understood worldwide.
When Koopman began his career in the 1960s, historically informed performance was still in its early stages. He played a significant role in its development and international recognition.
A defining moment in this process was the founding of the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra in 1979, followed by the Amsterdam Baroque Choir in 1992. Together, they form the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra & Choir, an ensemble that has achieved worldwide recognition under his direction.
Koopman has set new standards in the performance of Baroque music. His interpretations, especially of Bach, have brought a fresh and vibrant sound world to audiences across the globe.
In addition to his work with his own ensembles, Koopman is a highly sought-after guest conductor. He has worked with leading orchestras including the Berlin Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic, Munich Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.
He has also built an extensive discography, including the complete recording of Bach’s cantatas with the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra & Choir, which received numerous international awards.
Alongside his performing career, Koopman has been active as a teacher and researcher, giving masterclasses worldwide and receiving honorary doctorates and professorships in recognition of his work.
Irene Verburg
Irene Verburg – vocal coach, conductor and teacher
Irene Verburg is an experienced vocal coach, conductor and singing teacher, dedicated to the development of young vocal talent. Through her warm and personal approach, she helps singers to develop their voice, musicality and artistic expression.
She holds a Master’s degree in voice from the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague and furthered her studies in New York. As a mezzo-soprano, she regularly performs as a soloist in both opera and concert repertoire.
A significant part of her work is devoted to coaching young singers. She has taught at the School for Young Talent at the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague and is known for her expertise in both individual coaching and ensemble work.
As a vocal coach with the National Choirs, she has prepared numerous performances and works closely with both choirs and soloists on vocal technique, expression and interpretation.
Since 2017, she has been conductor of the National Boys’ Choir. Since 2023, she has also been part of the artistic leadership of Vocaal Talent Nederland, where she contributes to the artistic direction of the programme.
Through her combination of performance experience, pedagogical expertise and artistic vision, Irene Verburg plays an important role in shaping a new generation of professional singers.
De Tuin – talentprogramm
Nationale Koren
De Tuin is a training programme of the National Choirs for young, talented singers who wish to further develop their solo skills. Within the programme, they receive coaching from experienced musicians, work with guest teachers, and gain stage experience through concerts and masterclasses.
The programme offers an important step for young singers between their formal studies and a professional career in classical music.