The organizers of The Passion have decided to allow singers over 45 to audition for the live event in Terneuzen. Controversy had arisen over the age limit for the choir.
In this annual musical retelling of the Easter story, held on Maundy Thursday, Dutch celebrities play the main roles. The choir consists of local residents from the Terneuzen area.
This year, KRO-NCRV sought singers from Zeeland, aged no more than 45, to “give the younger generation a chance to be part of the choir.” This decision led to disappointment, expressed on social media and by 63-year-old Lenie Huigh from Boerenhol. “Are you no longer suitable for TV after 45?” she asked.
Some locals called it age discrimination. KRO-NCRV has now reversed the age requirement.
A spokesperson told RTL that they were inspired by the enthusiasm in Zeeland for The Passion, leading them to remove the age restriction and open auditions to everyone over 18. Huigh expressed her happiness to a regional broadcaster, stating, “Mission accomplished.
I will definitely try to audition with my 35-year-old daughter, Michelle.” Other choir members over 45 also plan to audition. The Passion will be broadcast live from Terneuzen on Thursday, April 17.
The main cast for this year has not yet been announced.
Source: NOS