With NKK NOW, the Netherlands Chamber Choir is investing in a new generation of singers, creators, and listeners. Building on nearly 90 years of experience in high-level choral singing, we are working towards a future where every voice matters—especially those of young people for whom singing together is not a given.
Singing together is more than making music. It requires listening, tuning in to each other, creating space, and daring to let your voice be heard. In an era where polarization, performance pressure, and inequality of opportunity shape the lives of young people, group singing offers a powerful and accessible counterweight. Research shows that singing together contributes to a sense of belonging, self-confidence, and social well-being. At the same time, many children and young people face barriers to actively participating in culture. With NKK NOW, we aim to reverse that trend.
For Young People in Utrecht
NKK NOW is a multi-year program for children and young people in Utrecht aged 9 to 18. In collaboration with partners such as TivoliVredenburg, De MuziekRoute, Drum Works NL, and House of Hip Hop, we are developing a sustainable learning pathway in which in-school, after-school, and extracurricular offerings reinforce one another.
Young people do not only sing existing repertoire; they also create their own music. Songwriting and co-creation are central. We work across genres and align with the musical world of today's youth. Each track culminates in a presentation—be it a concert, performance, or recording—where participants literally and figuratively let their voices be heard.
Inclusivity is a core principle. NKK NOW specifically focuses on neighborhoods where music education is less self-evident. Participation is free and highly accessible. By collaborating with schools and local organizations, we reach young people in their own environment and build bridges between primary and secondary school, between amateur and professional, and between diverse cultural backgrounds.
Research Project
In collaboration with Utrecht University, we are using NKK NOW to study how group singing contributes to connection, self-confidence, and sustainable cultural participation. We gather knowledge on recruitment, methodology, impact, and scalability. We translate these insights into a transferable model that can be applied elsewhere in the country.
The program builds on an earlier research initiative launched in 2023, which created strong awareness within our organization regarding the impact of group singing on youth. Starting in 2026, this work continues under the name NKK NOW, with a structured approach through 2028. Activities are evaluated annually and adjusted as needed based on defined objectives and research outcomes.
Through NKK NOW, the Netherlands Chamber Choir links its artistic excellence and experience to the creativity of a new generation. In doing so, we are not only investing in talent development, but also in a sustainable and inclusive vocal culture in the Netherlands.
NKK NOW is made possible in part by the Cultuurfonds, the Ebiqs Foundation, and the K.F. Hein Fonds.
