In mensen een welbehagen – Christmas oratorio by Vox Jubilans

On Second Christmas Day 2025, Hervormde Gemengde Zangvereniging Vox Jubilans brings the Christmas oratorio In mensen een welbehagen to the Grote Zaal of de Doelen in Rotterdam. Written by the choir’s conductor André van Vliet, with texts by Henriëtte Maaijen, the work follows the biblical story from Genesis to the birth of Jesus, focusing on the idea that God finds delight in humans. Across eleven movements, the music and narrative move from creation and the fall to God’s “reddingsplan”, culminating in the promise and arrival of Christ in the stable. 

Before the interval, the full oratorio is performed, combining choir, soloists and instrumental ensemble. After the break, Vox Jubilans presents a varied programme of well-known and lesser-known Christmas music, interspersed with an instrumental intermezzo. The morning concert brings together strings, winds, organ and piano, with contributions from soprano Margreet Rietveld and several guest musicians, turning Tweede Kerstdag into a devotional and musical gathering on Schouwburgplein. 

Details

• Date: Friday 26 December 2025 (Tweede Kerstdag) 
• Time: 10:30
• Location: Grote Zaal, de Doelen, Schouwburgplein 50, Rotterdam 
• Tickets: €13–€38, including €3 / €1.50 service costs; reduced price for visitors up to 16 years 
• Performers: Hervormde Gemengde Zangvereniging Vox Jubilans; Margreet Rietveld (soprano); string ensemble led by Laura Kieboom; Evelyn Heuvelmans (oboe); Kees Alers (flute); Jozé Aaftink (horn); Jaap Klootwijk (percussion); Arjan and Edith Post (trumpet); Marco den Toom (organ); Mark Brandwijk (piano); Ds. M. Messemaker (speaker) 
• Programme: André van Vliet – In mensen een welbehagen (texts: Henriëtte Maaijen) plus additional Christmas repertoire after the interval 
• Genre: Sacred music, Christmas oratorio, choir and orchestra