About Consensus Vocalis

Consensus Vocalis, based in Hengelo, is the only professional vocal ensemble along the entire eastern border of the Netherlands. Together with the other professional performing arts companies in the region – Nederlandse Reisopera, Phion (Orchestra of Gelderland & Overijssel), Theater Sonnevanck – Consensus Vocalis plays a crucial role in the cultural infrastructure of the region.

In addition, we collaborate with renowned music organizations throughout the Netherlands, including Stichting BachTwente, the Noord Nederlands Orkest, the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, Musica Amphion, the Nederlands Blazers Ensemble, the Metropole Orchestra, Silbersee, Stift Festival, the International Choral Biennale Haarlem, Muze van Zuid, and ArtEZ Conservatory Zwolle.

Originally specializing in the Bach tradition, our choir has developed over the past decades into a versatile ensemble. We consciously choose a wide range of musical styles and genres — from Baroque to contemporary, from opera to music theatre. With and without instrumental accompaniment, and in surprising combinations. This is only possible thanks to the dedication and versatility of our many singers.

Some have just graduated; others have been active in the professional choir world for many years. Consensus Vocalis has a distinctive sound that is instantly recognizable: clear, expressive, intense, and full of commitment.

Recent successes include our own music theatre production “Schumann & Zoon” and the co-productions “Kaapdiegoeiekoop” (with Silbersee, Gouden Haas, and Slagwerk Den Haag) and “Een klein leed” with Kasko. Since 2014, the choir has contributed to major choral operas with the Nederlandse Reisopera (most recently Fidelio and Das Wunder der Heliane) and is regularly accompanied by Phion, Orchestra of Gelderland & Overijssel in large-scale symphonic choral works.

In recent years, the choir has worked with guest conductors including Jules Buckley, Benjamin Goodson, Antony Hermus, Julia Jones, Antonello Manacorda, Benjamin Lévy, Daniel Reuss, Ilyich Rivas, Ed Spanjaard, Klaas Stok, Jan Willem de Vriend, and Jaap van Zweden.

Critical reception has been highly enthusiastic:

“Breathtakingly beautiful” (muziek-recensie.nl)
“Outstanding in character and color” (★★★★ NRC)
“Of exceptional level” (Theaterkrant)
“The choir Consensus Vocalis sings Verdi’s delightful choral scenes fresh, rhythmically precise and melodious.” (★★★★ La Traviata – NRC)