How does boundless collaboration sound? Tenso Network Europe is an international network of 15 professional choirs from 11 countries, which has included Cappella Amsterdam as an active member since 2003. The network promotes talent development and renews the choral repertoire by bringing young singers and conductors together with experienced professionals.
Tenso CONNECT: young talent in action
One recent initiative is Tenso CONNECT, a program in which young conductors and singers participate in internships, workshops, and networking activities. The goal is to strengthen their artistic and professional skills and prepare them for a career in the international choral world.
Tenso: a dialogue between singers
The word Tenso comes from the medieval troubadour tradition and refers to a “dialogue between singers.” It is a fitting name for Tenso Network Europe, which bridges cultures and generations through collaborations and exchange projects between choirs, conductors, students, and other key players in the international choral scene. The network therefore reaches far beyond singers alone. Cappella Amsterdam has proudly represented the Netherlands in Tenso since 2003, together with, among others, the Netherlands Chamber Choir.
Activities within the Tenso network
Various activities within the network stimulate the exchange of talent, knowledge, and repertoire among European choirs.
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Tenso Days are annual festivals held in different European cities (last held in Amsterdam in 2016). Professional and amateur choirs meet for concerts, workshops, and lectures, combining education with networking.
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The Tenso Europe Chamber Choir performs as an ensemble of professional singers from member choirs at special festivals or concerts.
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The Masterclass for Conductors gives young conductors practical experience and coaching by experienced professionals.
Tensodays in Amsterdam by M. Simkovicova
The Young Composers Workshop provides composers a platform to create and present new choral works and Repertoire for Choir develops and shares new choral repertoire within the network, often through commissions to young composers or special projects.
Tensodays in Amsterdam by M. Simkovicova
Lastly, the Tenso Professionals Meeting is a key networking platform for artistic directors and conductors to exchange knowledge, experiences, and repertoire, strengthening international collaboration.
Together, these activities make Tenso a vibrant network centered on talent, innovation, and collaboration.
Tenso CONNECT: talent in action
Tenso CONNECT brings young conductors and singers together through internships, workshops, and networking, developing their artistic and professional skills. More than just an international training program, it is a forum and platform for dialogue within the international choral world. Participants gain the chance to learn from top professionals, such as the singers of Cappella Amsterdam, and to discover new musical perspectives. Young musicians are equipped to use choral music as a cultural bridge while developing their artistic talent.
Tenso Re:CONNECT, finale in Ankara
This fall, the project concludes with the Tenso Re:CONNECT Conference, organized in collaboration with the Turkish State Choir. The program combines concerts, workshops, and lectures, bringing together conductors, singers, and choral enthusiasts from across Europe. Mark Walraven, managing director of Cappella Amsterdam, will give a lecture on leadership and sustainability in choirs, demonstrating how international exchange strengthens the professional choral world.
Interested in attending? Sign up quickly via reconnect-tenso.com.
Cappella Amsterdam’s participation in Tenso events reflects its commitment to talent development and choral innovation. Collaboration with young conductors, composers, and fellow choirs across Europe creates a dynamic platform where new ideas are tested, repertoire is expanded, and the international choral practice is enriched.
