Factional struggle and change of conductor

In the early 1980’s, a conflict arose about which artistic course to steer. The board wanted to go in a new direction, inspired by the authentic performance practice that was flourishing at the time in the Netherlands. The conductor Charles de Wolff decided to leave, with nearly the full choir of the Bach Society in tow, and founded Bachkoor Holland.

He was succeeded as artistic director by Jos van Veldhoven, who announced new choir auditions. The Bach Society also founded its own professional Baroque orchestra. From then on, the focus was on early music, beginning with a performance of Bach’s Magnificat and two cantatas in Naarden.

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    The announcement of auditions for the Bach Society choir.

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    Programme of the first concert under the leadership of Jos van Veldhoven.