On Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1 March 2026 Cappella Amsterdam presents Kanon Pokajanen by Estonian composer Arvo Pärt. This monumental canon for four-part choir remains a rarity on concert stages—until conductor Daniel Reuss and Cappella Amsterdam embraced this breathtaking masterpiece. From it’s resonant, meditative opening to the hushed recitatives and lush harmonies, Kanon Pokajanen is an experience in which time seems to dissolve.
28 February & 1 March 2026
On 1 March 17:00 - 21:15
Doors open 30 minutes prior to the concert
Location: De Nieuwe Kerk Amsterdam, De Dam
Performers
Cappella Amsterdam
Conductor: Daniel Reuss
Background
To the wider public, the musical style of Estonian composer Arvo Pärt (1935) has become almost common knowledge. As one of the most performed living composers of our time, he stands out with his austere and explicitly spiritual style—an exception in today’s often complex musical landscape.
The minimalist edge of his music places Pärt among a meditative lineage of composers who, through slow movement and gentle intensity, evoke profound emotion. Once again, Cappella Amsterdam and chief conductor Daniel Reuss take on Pärt’s magnum opus Kanon Pokajanen—a work that demands a particular kind of focus from both performers and listeners, ultimately rewarding them with a sense of complete catharsis.
Over Cappella Amsterdam
Over the past fifty years, Cappella Amsterdam has grown into one of the Netherlands’ leading chamber choirs. Time and again, the ensemble captivates audiences with a sound that intrigues—always cohesive, always organic. The many awards and glowing reviews Cappella Amsterdam has received are a testament to the exceptional quality and power of its productions.
Cappella Amsterdam is dedicated to bringing the choral repertoire to life in all its diversity. The choir performs a wide range of works—from early medieval compositions to contemporary masterpieces—always delivered with its signature sound and heartfelt passion. In doing so, Cappella Amsterdam ensures that the rich choral tradition is not only preserved, but also renewed and made accessible to all.
By continuously investing in talent development, encouraging new compositions, and staging groundbreaking projects, Cappella Amsterdam remains a pioneer in the world of choral music—both in the Netherlands and beyond. The choir constantly challenges itself to explore the boundaries of the genre, forge new connections, and reimagine the traditional concept of the choir. The innovative, multidisciplinary productions that emerge from this approach are increasingly featured alongside regular concert programmes, underscoring Cappella Amsterdam’s adventurous spirit.


