Alderman Hans van der Elst is very impressed by Vox Clara

Deeply impressed. That was the reaction of Hans van der Elst, Alderman of Culture, last Monday during Vox Clara’s rehearsal at the Laurentius Church. On Sunday, December 18, at 2:00 p.m., the women’s ensemble from Voorschoten—joined by guest singers and the Polyphonia Orchestra—will perform Handel’s *Messiah*.

Vox Clara, Latin for “clear voice,” is a small yet high-quality women’s ensemble. Over the years, the sixteen members have built up an extensive repertoire, with which they regularly perform in Voorschoten and the surrounding area. This time, George Frideric Handel’s *Messiah* is on the program. Hans van der Elst, a * Alderman * for culture, meets the musical villagers and is invited to attend the rehearsal.

“The residents of Voorschoten must be thinking,” laughs Alderman Van der Elst. “Yesterday I got to play in the Christmas scratch concert at the Dorpskerk, today I attended Vox Clara’s rehearsal at the Laurentiuskerk, and tomorrow I’m sure another musical event awaits me. But December is simply the perfect month for making music. As a Alderman , I’m lucky enough to experience it all up close.”

This Sunday, Vox Klara will be joined by guest singers and the Polyphonia Orchestra. Conductor Maria Rosenmöller will lead the performance. Alderman Van der Elst: “I am impressed by the way *The Messiah* was performed: the beautiful timbre of the choir and orchestra, the high caliber of the soloists, and the way conductor Maria, conducting and singing at the same time, kept everything under control.”