College Choir Returns from Inspiring and Immersive Amsterdam Tour

The Ellesmere College Choir is returning home following an extraordinary international tour to Amsterdam, filled with musical excellence, cultural immersion and unforgettable moments that will no doubt remain with pupils and staff for years to come.

The tour began on Wednesday 2nd April, as the choir departed College and travelled to Hull to board the overnight ferry bound for the Netherlands. Spirits were high as pupils and staff embarked on what has become an annual tradition—an international celebration of music, performance and cultural exploration.

Day One: Gardens, Graffiti, and Group Bonding

Thursday brought the group into the heart of springtime Amsterdam. The first stop was the Keukenhof Gardens, one of the most iconic floral displays in the world, where pupils had the chance to explore its vibrant colours and beautifully arranged tulip fields. It was a serene and inspiring start to the tour, connecting pupils to the beauty and heritage of Dutch horticulture.

In the afternoon, the choir took a creative turn, visiting the STRAAT Museum, a fascinating space dedicated to global street art. Pupils not only explored large-scale artworks and urban creativity, but also took part in a hands-on graffiti workshop—a dynamic opportunity to engage with modern art forms in a collaborative and expressive setting.

Day Two: Masterpieces and the Magic of Performance

On Friday, the choir explored the artistic treasures of the Rijksmuseum, home to works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and other Dutch masters. This visit served as a powerful reminder of how deeply interconnected music and visual art are in shaping culture and expression.

The day’s highlight came as the group travelled to the English Reformed Church, a historic venue tucked within the Begijnhof. After a focused rehearsal, the choir performed an afternoon concert to an appreciative audience, sharing their hard work and love of music in an international setting. The acoustics and atmosphere created a moving experience for both performers and attendees.

Following the performance, the group enjoyed some well-earned downtime, exploring central Amsterdam and visiting the Van Gogh Museum, where they connected with the life and legacy of one of the most celebrated artists in history.

Day Three: Amsterdam by Water and Sound

Saturday offered a more relaxed pace, beginning with a scenic canal cruise through the city’s historic waterways. It was a chance to see Amsterdam from a new perspective, gliding past 17th-century buildings, houseboats and bridges with commentary on the city’s rich history.

That evening, the choir stepped into the role of audience members, attending a professional performance at the renowned Concertgebouw. Regarded as one of the best concert halls in the world, the experience was both inspiring and aspirational—showcasing the heights that dedication to music can achieve.

Day Four: Music and Reflection

On Sunday, the choir returned to performance mode, this time with the great honour of leading the Sunday Eucharist at Westerkerk, one of Amsterdam’s most iconic churches. Their voices filled the space with warmth and reverence and the service was recorded for those wishing to share in the occasion remotely.

Watch the full Service here: https://www.youtube.com/live/3OzTrt2vK2o

After the service, pupils spent a relaxed afternoon enjoying the local culture, exploring nearby museums, shops, and cafés, and soaking up the atmosphere of Amsterdam in the spring sunshine. The evening brought another reflective moment as the group attended Evensong at Ouderkerk, rounding off the day with peace and contemplation.

Day Five: Fun, Friendship and Farewell

As is tradition on the choir tour, Monday was ‘Funday’—a chance to unwind and celebrate after a busy period of performances and cultural experiences. The group spent the day at Duinrell Waterpark and Theme Park, where rollercoasters, water rides, and laughter took centre stage.

This day of enjoyment served as a heartfelt thank you to the pupils for their remarkable dedication, commitment and the energy they brought to the tour—not only as performers, but as ambassadors of the College’s musical life.

That evening, the choir shared a final celebratory meal at a beautiful local Italian restaurant—a fitting end to a tour filled with artistic joy, meaningful connections and lasting memories.

Homeward Bound

The group boarded the overnight ferry back to Hull, arriving on Tuesday morning. After a hearty breakfast and some well-deserved rest during the coach journey they are now heading home, with pupils returning to College to begin their Easter break—carrying with them the musical magic of Amsterdam and a renewed sense of community, creativity and inspiration.