Bequeath - Cappella Amsterdam

Let your love for music live on. In the future of choral music at the highest level. In the unique sound of Cappella Amsterdam.

You know the feeling: that one note that pierces straight to your heart. The breathless pause at the final chord of your favourite piece. The shiver when a choir, in perfect harmony, gives voice to emotions words can never hold.

As a lover of art and culture — and of choral music most of all — you understand how profoundly music can touch a life. And how vital it is to preserve space for beauty, for connection, for the treasures of the past and the promise of the new.

For over fifty years, Cappella Amsterdam has embodied that vision: choral excellence at the highest level, uniting innovation with deep respect for tradition.

By remembering Cappella Amsterdam in your will, you give the gift of music to the future. You help ensure that choral voices will keep resonating — inspiring, moving, and uniting generations yet to come. And you keep alive the magic that once touched you, so that it may touch countless hearts after yours.

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“When I first got to know Cappella Amsterdam, I was instantly captivated. One of my earliest memories: the lullaby Kuss-Kuss-Kallike by Arvo Pärt, still available to listen to online. Whether it’s early music or modern works, every concert is wonderful.

So every reason to help preserve this exceptional quality with an annual contribution!”

– patron Job Cohen

The possibilities

You can include Cappella Amsterdam in your will in a few different ways:

A bequest: a fixed amount
A bequest allows you to leave a specific sum of money, an asset, or a percentage of your estate to Cappella Amsterdam. We are not named as heirs, but your will specifies that we receive this particular part of your estate.

A testamentary inheritance: naming Cappella Amsterdam as (co-)heir
With a testamentary inheritance, you name Cappella Amsterdam as a (co-)heir. This means that, alongside your other heirs, we receive a portion or percentage of your total estate – for example, 10%.

Named fund: supporting a specific goal of Cappella Amsterdam
If you wish to support a specific project or area of our work – such as education, training, or research – you can place your bequest or testamentary inheritance into a named fund. You choose the fund’s name and decide which purpose your legacy should support. The minimum amount to set up a named fund is €50,000.

“Singing is the most elemental and oldest form of making music. Choral singing moves me deeply because it brings together the power of connection and the beauty of individual voices in multi-voiced harmony. In the Netherlands, I consider Cappella Amsterdam the finest choir.

When funding for Cappella Amsterdam was unexpectedly cut a few years ago, I immediately felt that this remarkable choir must not be lost. Their unique approach, which places both technical perfection and expressive depth at the center, deserves support and recognition.”

– patron Hanneke

Your love for music lives on

By including Cappella Amsterdam in your will, you ensure that your love for music continues to live on.

With your legacy, you make it possible for us to:

- Continue nurturing and mentoring young vocal talent.
  For example, through the talent development program Meesters&Gezellen, where young professional singers work closely and perform alongside experienced members of Cappella Amsterdam. This gives emerging singers invaluable stage experience and prepares them for a career at the highest level.

- Commission new choral works from composers.
  This includes commissions for contemporary composers such as Silvia Borzelli and Fawaz Baker, who have created innovative choral music specifically for Cappella Amsterdam. With your support, we give today’s choral music a voice.

- Share choral music with more people, in concert halls, on CDs, and online.
  Of course, through concert series both in the Netherlands and abroad, but also via recordings and video productions enjoyed worldwide. Cappella Amsterdam also values educational projects, such as the school performance Moggûh!, which introduces young listeners to choral music in a playful and engaging way.

- Keep singing at the highest level, with full artistic conviction.
  Your legacy ensures that Cappella Amsterdam can continue investing in craftsmanship, artistic depth, and innovation. Thanks to this support, we can collaborate with leading and innovative composers and maintain a permanent ensemble of exceptional singers. Together, we bring both new and historic choral music to life at the highest artistic standard.

Good to know

Stichting Cappella Amsterdam is a cultural Algemeen Nut Beogende Instelling (ANBI). As a result, as an individual, you have several opportunities to deduct donations to Stichting Cappella Amsterdam from your income tax. Stichting Cappella Amsterdam itself is exempt from paying inheritance and gift taxes. Therefore, your bequest or legacy will entirely benefit Cappella Amsterdam.

“Years ago, I attended a concert by Cappella Amsterdam at the Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ in Amsterdam. What struck me most was one of my ideals of choral singing: the way the sound of different voices ‘blends’ so seamlessly that no individual singer or group of singers stands out, creating a sound greater than the sum of its parts.

From my own experience as an amateur singer in both large and small ensembles, I recognized that (often unattainable) ideal. That ideal inspired me that evening to support Cappella Amsterdam: such a unique sound must not be lost! Since then, I have been fortunate to experience that exceptional ensemble sound many times over.”

– patron Er Té

Thinking of leaving a legacy to Cappella Amsterdam, but not sure how to begin?

Leaving a legacy is a very personal decision, and it can sometimes be difficult to know everything that is involved.

That’s why we have laid out the process clearly for you in a step-by-step guide.

How to arrange it

Frequently asked questions

How do I include Cappella Amsterdam in my will?

This is done through a notary. On this page we explain step by step how to include Cappella Amsterdam in your will. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or would like us to advise you, without obligation. You can email Naomi van der Weele at naomi@cappellaamsterdam.nl or call 06 53 95 53 64.

Can I include Cappella Amsterdam alongside my family in my will?

Yes, absolutely. You can also leave a small portion of your estate to us or include a specific bequest.

How much does it cost to include Cappella Amsterdam in my will?

Your notary can tell you the exact costs for drafting or updating a will. These are usually one-time costs. You can also contact us for advice, without obligation.

Does my legacy need to be a certain amount to make a difference?

No, not at all. You don’t need to have a large estate to include Cappella Amsterdam in your will. Every contribution, no matter how modest, helps secure our future. We are grateful for every form of support.

Can I change my will later?

Yes, you can update your will at any time through your notary. You are never permanently committed.

What if I already have a will?

Even then, you can still include Cappella Amsterdam. Your notary can draft a codicil or a new version of your will.

Can I leave a legacy anonymously?

Yes, you can. You can inform your notary that you wish to remain anonymous. We fully respect your privacy.

What is the difference between a bequest and a testamentary inheritance?

A bequest is a fixed amount you leave to Cappella Amsterdam. With a testamentary inheritance, you name Cappella Amsterdam as (co-)heir, and we receive a portion of your estate. Cappella Amsterdam reserves the right to accept only beneficiaire inheritances.

Can I also give a gift during my lifetime?

There are several ways to contribute during your lifetime, such as a one-time donation or a recurring gift with tax benefits. You can find more information here.

Is Cappella Amsterdam exempt from inheritance tax?

Cappella Amsterdam Foundation is a cultural ANBI (Public Benefit Organization). This means we do not pay inheritance tax on gifts or legacies we receive. Every contribution directly supports our mission, ensuring your legacy has maximum impact.

What if Cappella Amsterdam no longer exists in the future?

Cappella Amsterdam Foundation is a sustainable cultural ANBI and the choir has existed for over fifty years. Should the foundation ever cease to exist, a similar cultural organization can be appointed to manage your legacy according to your wishes. This can also be specified with your notary.