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Alright, we have to admit. It’s actually located just outside the city limits, but this event is definitely worth that extra mile to Amstelveen. Dekoor Close Harmony has been around for over 30 years but they really made a name for themselves in recent years: a victory in the television show Clash of the Choirs in 2007 was followed by several championships at the World Choir Games. Their most recent award is that of Best Dutch Vocal Group at the BALK TOPfestival in 2013.
Dekoor, so much more
Dekoor is a student choir, which means that members come and go: those who graduate make room for new singers. Jessey Woodley has been with Dekoor for five years now, and she knows it’s not forever; “It’ll be hard to say goodbye, but I know it’s inevitable. People come and go, so it’s a matter of finding the right balance at the start of each season.Though it never takes long. We’re a close-knit group, it almost feels like hanging out with friends while doing some occasional singing. It never gets boring.”
The choir is a breeding ground for musical skills.
The setup of the choir causes a flow of new energy within the group each year and makes Dekoor a breeding ground for musical skills. Jessey agrees: “I’m an alto; the lowest female voice type, and I learned a lot about vocal techniques and stage presence. We make music on a high level and we’re ambitious, which only makes me more eager.” They dub themselves ‘young, fanatic, sexy, musical, confident and sincere’, and their ambition brought them more than just awards: the choir shared a stage with artists such as Damian Rice and The Rolling Stones.
So, tell me about your best experience with the choir?
“Our gig with The Stones was just plain epic. We shared a tiny rehearsal room with them, they were joking around while we were giggling and all starstruck. Being on stage with them was unreal. So many people, a sea of flashes, the iconic trombone intro of You Can’t Always Get What You Want, Mick being just a few meters away… I have to admit, it took me a few months to really feel how awesome it was. But moving people to tears with a serenade, the banter at rehearsal weekend and touring abroad were equally special!”
You just started touring through the country with a theater tour, with a gig here on March 24. What do you expect from it?
“It frustrates me that people have such a biased image of choir music. Of course I get it, but what we’re doing is so different… It would be great if we manage to surprise people during our tour!”
Dekoor Close Harmony
When: March 24, 20:30-22:30
Where: Cultuurcentrum VU Griffioen, Uilenstede 106
Tickets: From €12,50 | Here
More info: Website & Facebook event
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