Sempre Crescendo: a close-knit group of musical students
In 2026, Sempre Crescendo student orchestra and choir will celebrate its 195th anniversary. In the run-up to this anniversary, they will give three concerts. Board members of Sempre, Celeste Blom and Trijntje van Doorn, explain what makes Sempre so special to them.
Interview translated from Dutch
As a member, what makes you realise that your association is so old?
Celeste: ‘Our age is particularly evident in our social area, the Salon. Every centimeter of the walls is filled with frames showing events from our history. These include concert photos and posters from last century, photos of over thirty former association boards, and every conductor and soloist that Sempre has ever worked with. The oldest item in the Salon is a programme booklet from 1832, the year after we were founded. Part of our old association banner, which also hangs in the Salon, was lost in a fire at Minerva in 1959. A brave member rolled it up in a carpet half alight and took it outside. And we have drinks by candlelight, which is a lovely tradition. Just like the fact that we always replace the letter k with ch. This is because last century, the letter k broke on the abactis' typewriter, so our koor and orkest are now called choir and orchest.'
Trijntje: ‘All those traditions and customs that have been passed on down the years ensure that you really feel part of an association with a long and rich history.'
In your opinion, what makes Sempre such a great association?
Trijntje: ‘What I like most about Sempre is the combination of making music and having fun. Every Thursday we have a rehearsal and work on an upcoming project, after which we always end the day with drinks in the Salon. The fact that we are working together towards creating something beautiful makes us feel very connected with one another. You can see that in the Salon too: members who have only just met end up singing together at the grand piano while another bottle of wine is opened.
Celeste: ‘ It's a very close-knit group, which becomes a little closer with every concert, trip and get-together.'
Can anyone become a member, or do you have to be a very good singer or musician?
Trijntje: ‘We're an open sub-association of Minerva, so anyone can become a member of Sempre, even if you’re not a member of Minerva. This is reflected in our membership: we have members from within and outside Minerva. In my opinion, this results in a great mix of people from all kinds of associations.
At Sempre, you certainly don't need to be a great talent. The most important thing is that you enjoy singing or playing, and that you are motivated to rehearse together every Thursday'
Celeste: ‘Sempre doesn't hold auditions because after all, singing is something you can learn. Orchestra members are expected to have some experience but even then, you don't need to audition. Within the choir and orchestra there are sometimes differences in level. But thanks to lots of rehearsing, everything always comes together perfectly in the weeks before a concert.'
Where can we hear you perform in December?
Celeste: ‘On 5 and 6 December, Sempre will celebrate its 194th anniversary with the Burgerij and Dies concert in the Hooglandse Kerk. And our Christmas choir will sing carols at the free sing-along Christmas Carol Concert for students and staff in the afternoon of Thursday 18 December. Atmospheric, special Christmas songs, interspersed with organ music and a few well-known classics that everyone can sing along to.'
Trijntje: ‘I think it's a great idea for students and staff, as a concert like this is the perfect moment to really get into the Christmas spirit after those busy exam weeks.'
More about Sempre Crescendo
Visit the website smgsemprecrescendo.nl