The Zangers van Sint Frans (singers of saint Fransiscus) is a youth choir from Venray, the Netherlands. The choir originally started as a boy’s choir in 1959 and was founded by Wim Buys (1929-2007). Wim Buys moved from The Hague to Venray to teach at the Franciscussschool. He already conducted the school choir of The Hague for almost ten years before he started the Zangers van Sint Frans.

On February 1st 1960 the first mass was sung on the occasion of the opening of the Franciscussschool. The local papers did write; ‘What that teacher does in Venray isn’t clear, but that he lets sing our children beautiful is a fact!’

Through the years the choir did travel across the whole world, they went to America, Canada, Russia, Ireland, France etc. etc. Also many summer camps were held in different Dutch places. Some of these pictures can be found in the photo book or in the travel reports (Dutch).

The Zangers practice at the ‘Galmhut’, the choir’s rehearsal room, on every Tuesday and Friday. Masses and concerts are given on regular basis. See the agenda for more information.

Nowadays the choir has about 40 members, 20 young boys and girls and 20 men. The choir is leaded by Vincent Las and Theis Gootzen (pianist).

Wim Buys (1929-2007) and Vincent Las

For more information you can contact the Zangers van Sint Frans by filling in the contact form.

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