Our new choir 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. This historic moment marked an important step in the recognition of equality and love in all its forms.
Galakoor commemorates this anniversary with a new vocal work by composer Joost Kleppe. The composition reflects on the social significance of opening up marriage and places this moment in a broader context of love, diversity and inclusion.
A special element in the work is the incorporation of (excerpts from) the speech given by Job Cohen, then mayor of Amsterdam, during the very first wedding ceremony on 1 April 2001 in Amsterdam City Hall. These historic words form the substantive 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 oeuvre, he emphatically advocates the portrayal of “unconventional” love relationships and human connection 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 touched 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.
Read this article in the Gaykrant about this happening.
Watch an extensive report by MVS Television about the first marriages performed by Mayor Cohen. (9.25 min, images by Bert Janssen/editing by Leo Enzlin)
Planned performances
- 28 March and/or 1 April 2026 – Amsterdam (location to be determined)
- 27 June 2026 – ING Arena, Brussels (as part of the “Let Your Heart Be Heard” concert by Various Voices Brussels 2026)
- 3 August 2026 – Concertgebouw Amsterdam (as part of the Chorus World Pride choir festival)