Zangzaad is the queer choir for low voices from Groningen, a city in the northern part of the Netherlands. For more than 35 years we were a gay men’s choir, but we are now open to everyone who can sing the traditional male voices, regardless gender or sexual orientation. 

Lead by our inspiring conductor Peter Smedinga we sing a capella as well as accompanied by piano. Our repertoire varies from pop to ballades, serious songs, and songs with a humorous undertone. We are not afraid of a pinch of theatrality. 

Pleasure in singing and performing are key features of Zangzaad. We like to perform and through our public performances we want to enhance the visibility of our queer community and spread our message of diversity and acceptance. Characteristic of Zangzaad is our yearly free podium (“de Schuifdeurenavond”), on which members of our choir and friends sing as soloists or in smaller ensembles. Throughout the years this free podium has become a very popular and vividly entertaining event. 

Being founded in 1988 Zangzaad is a choir with a rich history. We organized together with Gemengd Dameskoor the Various Voices festival in Groningen some 30 years ago, in 1995. With around 30 participating choirs it was a small-sized festival compared to this edition in Brussels.

Zangzaad is fond of exciting experiences. In 2024 we were on Dutch national tv in a production dealing with night live in Groningen (“Nachtdieren”/ “Night animals”). Last September we were officially part of the so-called “Civil deputation” during Prinsjesdag, the day on which the Dutch king addresses the Parliament. Lined up alongside nicely dressed firm soldiers, we stood there, queens awaiting the royal couple and their three princesses.