Welcome to Gouda

Have you always wanted to sing parts of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion yourself? You’ll have the chance on Saturday, February 13. That’s when Toonkunst Gouda is organizing a special “Scratch-Matthäus” at the Gouwekerk.

Under the direction of Niels Kuijers, we will spend the day rehearsing the opening chorus, the chorales, and the closing chorus, among other pieces. The Rotterdam Youth Symphony Orchestra will provide the accompaniment. At the end of the afternoon, we will perform the music for an audience.

During this musical day, we’ll rehearse the chorales, the opening chorus, and the closing chorus from the St. Matthew Passion together. At the end of the afternoon, we’ll perform the rehearsed sections for an audience. During the performance, the story’s central theme will be narrated, and several arias will be sung by members of Toonkunst Gouda.

Anyone who loves to sing or is curious about this beautiful music is welcome to join. No experience with the St. Matthew Passion is required, and you don’t have to be a member of a choir. The most important thing is to have fun singing.

Program

The day begins at 9:00 a.m. with an open house. Rehearsals start at 9:30 a.m., and the performance begins at 4:00 p.m. It lasts until about 5:30 p.m.

Throughout the day, we work with two choirs, each divided into soprano, alto, tenor, and bass sections. Step by step, we build toward the afternoon performance. Later in the day, a children’s choir will also join us to rehearse and sing along in the opening chorus during the performance.

We'll be singing from Bach's St. Matthew Passion, published by Peters. After payment, you'll receive a link to the score (PDF) and practice files to help you get started.

Registration and Fees

Would you like to sing along with the Scratch-Matthäus? Don't wait until January 1—registration is already open. You can sign up now using the online registration form:

Payment will not be due until after January 1, 2027. You will receive a notification about this after you register. So there’s no need to wait to sign up.

The admission fee is 45 euros for adults and 25 euros for young people up to age 25. A ticket to attend the 4:00 p.m. performance costs €10.

Practicing at Home with MIDI Files

Would you like to get a head start on preparing? You can find MIDI practice files online that let you listen to and learn the individual choir parts. That way, you can practice your own vocal part at home. We’ll be posting a direct link to the correct MIDI files here soon.

Saturday, February 13, 2027

Gouwekerk, Gouda

Admission: €45 | Young people up to age 25: €25

Registration is now open. Payment isn't due until after January 1, but don't wait to sign up!