Choir of Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk
Welcome to Alphonsuskoor, the performing choir of the historic Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk in
www.olvkerk.nl. We bring the rich tradition of liturgical music to life in this neo‑Gothic church (built 1852–54 and consecrated in 1854). Named for St. Alphonsus Liguori – founder of the Redemptorists, who established the church – our choir invites singers of all backgrounds to join us in sacred song.
Learn about our mission, history and how to join the choir.
View our upcoming concerts, liturgical schedules and tours.
Explore the Gregorian chant and choral works we perform, including our recordings.
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Located on the Keizersgracht canal, the Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk has long been a center of Catholic worship in Amsterdam. Built by Redemptorist priests and dedicated in 1854 the church became known as a “confessional church” famed for its music. Today it is owned by the Syrian Orthodox Church but remains open to Roman Catholic liturgy. Its soaring architecture and rich acoustics provide the perfect setting for our choir.
Our patron, St. Alphonsus Liguori (1696–1787), was an Italian bishop, theologian and Doctor of the Church. He founded the Redemptorists in 1732 – the same order that built our church. St. Alphonsus was also a gifted composer and artist, reflecting how faith and music go hand in hand. His life of devotion and creativity inspires our choir’s pursuit of beauty and service.
At the heart of our music is Gregorian chant – “the central tradition of Western plainchant”, a form of monophonic, unaccompanied sacred song in Latin Gregorian melodies, dating from medieval times, remains the Roman Rite’s official liturgical music. We sing chant alongside Renaissance polyphony and classical Mass settings, often with organ accompaniment. In fact, the church’s 1859 pipe organ allows us to blend chant with instrumental support – for example, at an 1861 funeral the choir performed a Gregorian Mass with organ and brass. Whether a solo chant or a full Mass, this music has a timeless, prayerful power.
Photo: Jan Schut and Jip Vogel
We are Alphonsuskoor, a community-based performing choir rooted in the liturgical life of Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk. Our choir has been singing at Mass for well over a century.
