Following this year’s Only Boys Aloud Academi residential course, the 2026 Academi members were given the amazing opportunity to travel to The Netherlands for a short concert tour.
The coach left Cardiff in the early hours of the morning and despite some bleary eyes, tired faces (and a passport drama!), we had a great journey on the bus and ferry, via Calais, to Utrecht, where we were staying for our time in the Netherlands.
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we travelled by train to Amsterdam, the capital city of The Netherlands. We spent the morning on a canal boat tour and the boys had some free time (when many a stroopwafel was consumed!) before travelling to Zeist for our first concert. Before the concert, we had a workshop with members of the local Voice Worx Academy where we taught them the chorus of the famous Welsh song Yma o Hyd and then we performed Bella Ciao together. We then shared dinner together and had the opportunity to chat and get to know each other. The beautiful venue was absolutely packed for our concert and we had a great reception from the audience!
Our second concert was in the city of Den Bosch, around 45 km south of Utrecht. The city has links to Wales as it was liberated from German occupation in the Second World War by the 53rd Welsh Infantry Division. The boys had a tour of the Cathedral and the city and learned more about the history of the area and the role of the Welsh soldiers in the liberation before sampling the famous Bosche Bol cake (which, according to Craig, was the best cake he’s ever had!). We then had a performance in the beautiful St John’s Cathedral. The boys couldn’t believe how big the cathedral was and how long the echo was when they were singing! Once again, the cathedral was packed for our performance and the audience were delighted with the performance. One audience member said:
“I felt so lifted and happy by your wonderful performance. I applaud you young lads for your preservation, talent and the spirit you bring to music as a whole and you brought to Den Bosh on July 25th”
We had a great time in the Netherlands and would really like to thank Taith, the international learning exchange programme funded by the Welsh Government, for making the trip possible.
This is what our Academi 2026 members had to say about the Netherlands trip:
“Over all it was a fantastic experience, getting to see and learn about how Wales and the Netherlands are closely linked together.”
“It was an amazing time – it has helped me gain more confidence for travelling further from home.”
“I thought it was a life changing experience and a trip that I will remember forever and I believe that because of how good the community aspect felt.”
Want to be a part of it? We are ALWAYS looking for new members. Learn about your nearest choirs and how to join HERE
