Composition about the 25th Anniversary Same-Sex Marriage

Our new choral project

In 2026, the Netherlands will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the legalisation of same-sex marriage. On 1 April 2001, the Netherlands became the first country in the world where two people of the same sex could marry. Galakoor is marking this anniversary with a new choral work by composer Joost Kleppe. The composition reflects on the social significance of the legalisation of same-sex marriage and places this moment within a broader context of love, diversity and inclusion.

Memorable Night consists of seven movements and has a total duration of approximately 17 minutes. The work tells a multi-layered story: from the victory of the right to marry to the ongoing struggle for emancipation. At the same time, it gives a voice to the lesser-known chapters of queer history — a time when it was forbidden to be oneself. It is precisely these contrasts that make this piece powerful, moving and, above all, meaningful.

With this composition, we not only honour how far we have come, but also emphasise why visibility, freedom and equality deserve ongoing attention.

On the night of 31 March to 1 April 2026, exactly 25 years after the first marriages, an exclusive preview of this impressive composition was performed in the council chamber of Amsterdam City Hall. A moment that powerfully brought together the past, present and future. Click here for photos and a video report of the celebrations.

A distinctive feature of the work is the incorporation of (excerpts from) the speech delivered by Job Cohen, then Mayor of Amsterdam, during the very first wedding ceremony held on 1 April 2001 at Amsterdam City Hall. These historic words form the thematic and emotional core of the composition.

Read the text of his speech here

“We are here to unite you, the bridal couples, in holy matrimony. And in doing so, we are making history, because this is the first time that a fully-fledged civil marriage has been concluded between two women and between two men. And now I confess that 10 years ago, I did not fully understand why gays and lesbians made such a big deal about opening up civil marriage. But now I know better. Heterosexuality is the norm, and at the same time homosexuality is the most normal thing in the world for people. I wish you the most wonderful 1st of April of your lives. […] I, as a registrar of the civil registry of Amsterdam, hereby declare that, after signing the certificate, you are united in marriage.”

 

About the composer: Joost Kleppe (1963)

Joost Kleppe is one of the few Dutch composers who specialise in vocal music. In his body of work, he makes a strong case for portraying ‘unconventional’ romantic relationships and human connections outside traditional frameworks.

Kleppe regularly collaborates with renowned ensembles such as the Netherlands Chamber Choir and the Groot Omroepkoor. His work is also highly regarded internationally. Conductor Nathan Tax says of his music:

“It’s not often that contemporary choral music moves the audience so deeply. I experience this myself: every time I sing or conduct his music, I am struck by its originality and depth.”

More information about Joost Kleppe can be found at: https://joostkleppe.nl

Read this article from the NRC: Composing for amateur choirs.

And the article in Zingmagazine no. 127: On the way to…

Watch an in-depth report by MVS Television on the first weddings to be performed by Mayor Cohen. (9.25 mins, footage by Bert Janssen/edited by Leo Enzlin)

Read the article in the Gaykrant about this event here.

Performances 2026: