Klaas Stok will remain chief conductor of the NDR Vocal Ensemble for another three years. The Dutchman has extended his contract until 2030, the North German Broadcasting Corporation (NDR) announced on Tuesday. The newly created position of Principal Guest Conductor will be filled from January 2027 to summer 2028 by Heide Müller, a conductor living in Hanover.

NDR vocal ensemble with Klaus Stok

Stok shapes the ensemble's distinctive sound and excels as a conductor of large-scale concert projects with vocal ensembles and orchestras, explained Dominik Deuber, Head of NDR Ensembles. At the same time, Stok succeeds in inspiring people to sing together. "This combination of the highest artistic quality, openness, and curiosity for music is truly special."

Stok has led the ensemble since 2018. "Together, we have achieved a great deal over the past eight years and sharpened the artistic profile of the NDR Vocal Ensemble," said the chief conductor. He particularly appreciates the ensemble's musical quality, stylistic versatility, and openness to new approaches. "My goal is to further develop the ensemble's distinctive sound, expand its repertoire, and continue to set artistic standards with ambitious programs and new concert formats."

With Müller, a second artistic perspective is added, explained Deuber. "We have experienced her as an inspiring conductor in several projects and are delighted to deepen this collaboration." She brings her own signature style, her ideas, and her approach. Born in 1996 near Hanover, Müller said she was very happy and honored to take on the position of Principal Guest Conductor. She is enthusiastic about the stylistic diversity of the NDR Vocal Ensemble as well as the warmth and depth of its sound, which touches many people. "I am very much looking forward to working even more closely with the ensemble in the future and helping to shape its artistic development.".

The NDR Vocal Ensemble emerged in 2021 from the NDR Choir, which was founded in 1946. With the renaming, the number of permanent choir members was reduced from 27 to 21. The new artistic focus is on a cappella works and ensemble-accompanied choral music from the Renaissance to the modern era.

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