The secret of the Christian Urk Fishermen's Choir “Crescendo”

The Christian Urk Fishermen's Choir Crescendo from Holland is flourishing and growing as never before. As the biggest male voice choir from Urk, Crescendo has its own particular place within famous Dutch choir music and is well known for its  charismatic work being both powerful  and inspirational.

Development

The songs of Crescendo started in since 1953 when Louwe Kramer sr. started with a group of 23 young singers, most of whom were fisherman. His son Meindert W. Kramer succeeded his father in 1955, and after a hugely successful reign of almost 45 years he has now given the baton to his own son Louwe Kramer jr.  

Today Louwe Kramer jr. is continuing the ever increasing line as the third generation of Kramer conductors and the choir itself  has now developed  into a powerful and famous male voice choir with 120 singing members.

Music

Both Louwe and Meindert W. Kramer have themselves  written the majority of Crescendo’s music. Today this music is being used by many choirs in The Netherlands and overseas as well.  Well known professional musicians, Harm Hoeve and Minne Veldman, support and accompany the choir’s concerts with organ or piano. 

Awards

Crescendo was awarded  the precious Golden Tulip award in 1972 for its huge contribution to spiritual choir music. Since the ‘60’s Crescendo has produced a large repertoire of music which has being sold successfully both in and outside The Netherlands.

Relation with the Royal Family

Crescendo has received a special Royal recognition by the Dutch Royal family for they have performed many times . In 1978 a member of the royal family handed over a golden disc to the choir for the huge quantity of Christian music sold in both the national and international market.

Repertoire

Considering their enormous productivity the actual core repertoire of Crescendo remains unchanged. This consists of Psalms, Hymns, spiritual songs and also national songs.  Within their home of The Netherlands they sing solely in the Dutch language only, although with  the regular requests being received from outside of the country

the music of Crescendo is being appreciated from North America to South Africa, and therefore incorporating other languages.

Inspiration

The strength of Crescendo lies in their singing and interpretation of simple and plain songs. Everywhere they perform is fully booked and their secret is this ; they sing with inspiration.  For example, in Switzerland press and audience typically say : they do believe in what they sing !  The members of Crescendo actually sing as their hobby with some members is still sailing every week on the North Sea  catching fish and it is at sea they experience the power of the Creator. 

The secret of Crescendo is the combination of music, text and inspiration.

International

Since the ‘80’s Crescendo has performed  abroad on a regular basis; for example numerous on occasions they have been singing in Germany, Switzerland and Hungary. For October 2009 a tour with 5 concerts is planned for Canada and North America.

However due to the fact that they are  amateurs status, sadly, they can not accept each invitation due to other commitments.

Evangelism

Aside from  the usual number of concerts in Holland (approximately 10 per year), Crescendo gives their time to special evangelism-concerts, for example in the city centre of Amsterdam.

The overall aim of the choir has been the same from the beginning ;

spreading of the gospel with singing, to the honour of God only.