Vocaal Ensemble Basiliek Schiedam (= VEBS) is a chamber choir that operates on a project basis. It owes its name to the original home of rehearsals and concerts: the Basiliek van de Heilige Liduina en Onze Lieve Vrouw van de Rozenkrans in Schiedam Centrum (formerly simply called Singelkerk). The choir was founded in the early
21st century at the instigation of the Schiedam conductor Bas van Houte and a number of enthusiastic but also advanced singers (SATB). As of 2018, they still form the basis of the choir. Some names have been added over the years and have stuck around, but sometimes dropped out. The choir also has several (returning) project members. The singers of the choir have all been personally invited by Bas van Houte; he knows most of the members of other (project) choirs he leads. What also happens is that someone from the choir "knows someone who wants to participate"; especially when there are few members of a voice type - for example due to inability to attend - for a particular performance.
In the beginning, the choir gave many (walk-in) concerts in Schiedam and (sometimes wider) surrounding areas. The choir organized this itself, but was also asked to do so. For several years it gave a Christmas concert in the Basiliek with J.S. Bach's Weihnachts-Oratorium BWV 248. Heinrich Schütz' Weihnachts-Historie has also been performed several times, as well as a cappella masses by Josef Rheinberger, some J.S. Bach's cantatas and motets by Felix Mendelssohn.
Since 2012, the emphasis of the performances has been on spiritual motets, songs and psalms by various composers and J.S. Bach's cantatas within the context of a Protestant church service. Four times a year the choir contributes to this in the Stichting Cantates Vlaardingen. In addition, the choir is regularly asked to assist in other projects or to play a guest role there. For example, in 2017 the choir sang at the commissioning of the restored organ of the Schiedam Havenkerk. In 2016, the choir participated in the annual performance of J.S. Bach's Matthäus-Passion BWV 244 by COV Middelharnis. In the spring of 2018, the choir sang in a benefit musical performance entirely in Schiedam. In December 2018, the choir gave two Christmas concerts in Schiedam. |
Will Hanegraaff
Ingrid van Houte
Yvonne Kluin
Anne Schippers
Lisa Verkerke
Hannie de Visser |
Maya Gonlag
Lianne van Rijn
Alies Spliet
Marijke van Steenis
Pieter van Veelen
Nicoline van Veen
Lisa Verkerke |
Evert Borst
Rob van Herwaarden
Henk Sengers
Hans Treurniet
Job Vink
Hans Weber |
Bas Boender
Cor van Brink
Frank Canters
Frans Carree
Jan de Rhoter
Willem Stauthamer |