sponsoren

Westerstörm was founded in 1991 as an authentic shanty choir. Since then the choir has sung and performed as a shanty choir, with many original and fine shanties. The first and second cd’s, “Storm from the West” and “Shanties of the Sea” respectively, are good examples of this.
The name of the choir is a combination of WESTER (from its home base in Westerbroek) and STORM (the power of the elements, sea and wind).
The choir, which has always been lead by a professional conductor, has about 30 members at the moment.

During the Annual Meeting of 2006 it was decided to set sail in a different direction. This new website is a good example of the change. The name “Westerstorm” will, of course, remain the same, but the words “Shanty choir” have been removed. This doesn’t mean that the group no longer has shanties on its programme. Instead, it has expanded its repertoire with Irish, Scottish and other mainly English-sung folk songs. On our website you can read about Westerstörm's newest CD “Across the Irish Sea”. Here almost all the folk and sea-songs are in English.

Westerstörm can provide you with an unforgettable musical event, not only because of its great choir but also thanks to its group of six musicians and the fact that it has its own sound equipment.

A few highlights

1995
One of the first highlights was the winning of the final of the AVRO-radio programme “Het land van Stoop”. In this Dutch folk song festival we beat a few well- known radio- and tv artists.

1997
guest of the HISWA in the RAI
Participated in “Hanse Sail” in Rostock
In November, helped to make the CD “t Pekelveld” in Assen. The proceeds of the CD went towards the foundation “Stichting Cliniclowns Nederland”, an organisation that entertains and helps to relax seriously ill children.

1998
Westerstörm is initiator and part-organisor of “HS Maritiem”, a large-scale event in the field of shipping and shipbuilding in the Hoogezand-Sappemmer region.

1999
Westerstörm is the sole choir to be invited to the 175-year jubilee of the KNRM (Koninklijke Nederlandse Redding Maatschappij), held in the Ridderzaal, in The Hague. Queen Beatrix and Ms Netelenbos (Minister of Transport and Communications at the time) were among the many guests. In addition, the choir performs (on a non-financial basis) quite often during KNRM activities.

2002
On April 20, Westerstörm performed in the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. As well as several numbers from their own repertoire, the choir also sang together with Margriet Eshuijs. In addition, Westerstörm is always a popular guest at the Watersports Fair “Boot-Holland” in Leeuwarden.
In celebration of its 10-year jubilee, Westerstörm successfully staged the musical “DE WESTERSTORM” together with a , a theatrical group, a Surinam/Antillian dance group and a ….

2003
Once again the choir was special guest during the annual “Hanse Sail” in Rostock, Germany.

2005
Performed with the Dubliners in the MartiniPlaza on October 7.
Presented the latest CD “Across the Irish Sea” in the Hotel Faber, in Hoogezand.

2006
Performed during the Special Olympics in the Veendam Stadium. A fantastic event, much enjoyed by all.