Welcome to the website of the “Hoorns Byzantijns Mannenkoor”, the Byzantine Male Choir based in Hoorn, the Netherlands
Here you can find information about our choir and about Russian church music in general.
The “Hoorns Byzantijns Mannenkoor” (H.B.M.) was established late 1985 and currently consists of approximately 30 singers.
The choir is not bound to any particular church but it is our goal to deliver a most authentic interpretation of Slav-Byzantine church music.
The songs are sung a cappella, as it is said that “only that what God has created (the human voice) may bring forth the prayers and hymns”.
The choir has been under the artistic direction of Grigori Sergei Sarolea since 1989.
Grigori studied at the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague and the Conservatoire of Rotterdam and received his Master of Arts at the University of Utrecht. Under his leadership, the choir’s repertoire broadened considerably.
Besides the four-part nature of the music of 19th century composers, we also have monophonic chants (one voice chants), and two and three part settings on the program.
The songs are sung in a monastic style, the original liturgical vocal tradition used in Russian monasteries.
In addition to our religious repertoire, HBM can also bring you a range of Russian and Ukrainian folk songs to sing.
This range and diversity has given us a prominent position amongst other Dutch choirs.
Our choir has been fortunate enough to record a total of 5 CD’s since 1993.
The latest one was released in 2008 and is dedicated to songs, sung in Russia during the Holy Week and Easter (Passover).
Concerts are given on a regular basis: the New Year’s Concert in the Oosterkerk, in Hoorn and the Easter Concert on Easter Monday in the St Michaëls Church in Oosterland, Wieringen have become fixed dates on our yearly calendar.
Our choir can also be booked to accompany regular church services. As an example, our vocal accompaniment of the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostomos, celebrated on the Saturday of Great Lent (before Easter) and possibly on other days of the liturgical year, is quite unique.
Do you want to buy a CD?