Thirteen years ago, paint expert Wichard Bos met René Vestering at the construction wholesaler in Haarlem. A chance meeting that was the start of a close friendship. “We are like brothers to each other, brothers we have missed all our lives.”
That meeting at work turned out to be a bull’s eye and felt familiar from the first moment. Reason for Wichard to invite his new friend to his other great love; ‘Men’s Choir Royal Zang & Vriendschap’ in Haarlem. What could be better than singing there every week with René.
René had been approached before to sing in the famous choir, but until then had resolutely rejected it. But he was unable to cope with Wichard’s request. According to Wichard, even an important parents’ evening was no reason not to come to a rehearsal evening.
The friends have now finished work and can devote themselves entirely to the Haarlem men’s choir. René is a ‘handy Harry’ who not only recreates Max Verstappen’s pit box in miniature, but also does all the odd jobs in the stately building of ‘Zang en Vriendschap’ in the city center of Haarlem. There he meets his best friend Wichard every Monday evening. That Monday evening is sacred, and is reserved for the choir all year round.
Wichard has several friends, but with René it is special, and that is also because the women of the duo also get along well with each other. “But it is especially special because I have René all to myself. A friend with whom I can share and discuss everything.”
And the choir ‘Singing and Friendship’ lives up to its name for Wichard and René. On December 16, the choir can be seen and heard during the big performance in the Phil in Haarlem.
Who is your bestie?
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