The Coro Contemporáneo de Tenerife is a reference choir in the choral panorama of the Canary Islands, under the direction of Esther Wagenaar, singer and professor of Choral Conducting at the Professional Conservatory of Music of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

This formation has been developing an intense artistic work since its creation in 2009 with the premiere of the "Misa de Conmemoración" by the composer Emilio Coello, a work composed for the 50th anniversary of the Consecration of the Basilica of Candelaria and later performed that same year in the Cathedral of La Almudena in Madrid. In his career he has performed several monographic works, a cappella programmes and works from the choral symphonic repertoire, with which he has toured numerous stages on the island and in Spain.

He has performed on several occasions with the Orquesta Sinfónica de Tenerife under the baton of Víctor Pablo Pérez in the Auditorio de Tenerife, the Cathedral of La Laguna and various temples on the island. Its presence is also required in concert cycles such as the Encuentro Coral de San Cristóbal de La Laguna and the Muestra Coral Villa de La Orotava, as well as in choral festivals and institutional celebrations and events at regional level, including the 530th anniversary of the foundation of the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

The versatility of this ensemble to tackle programmes ranging from Baroque repertoire to contemporary works has also allowed it to count on guest composers and conductors. In particular, Emilio Coello with the premiere of his own creations for Soloists, Choir and Orchestra "Angelus Domini" and "Ópera Chaxiraxi", the latter premiered in 2024 in the Basilica of Candelaria on the occasion of the 625th anniversary of the discovery of the Virgin of Candelaria, and also in the Cathedral of La Laguna on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the Declaration of La Laguna as a World Heritage City.

It is also worth mentioning the excellent conducting of José María Vicente, professor of Orchestra Conducting at the Conservatorio Superior de Música de Canarias, with works from the baroque and classical repertoire. All this with Esther Wagenaar, choirmaster of the Coro Contemporáneo de Tenerife, as choirmaster.

This collaboration with guest conductors has made it possible to promote and add to the concert activity a Christmas cycle that enjoys wide institutional and public support.

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ESTHER WAGENAAR

Originally from Heerhugowaard, the Netherlands, her musical journey began with the study of singing at the prestigious Sweelinck Conservatorium in Amsterdam. Her path led her to Tenerife, where she culminated her academic training with a degree in Choral Conducting at the Conservatorio Superior de Música de Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Throughout her career, she has enriched countless vocal and instrumental ensembles, both as a chorister and as a soloist. Her experience as a conductor encompasses various ensembles. Currently, she shares her passion and knowledge as a choir teacher at the Conservatorio Profesional de Música de Santa Cruz de Tenerife and as a singing teacher at the Trinity Academy. She also leads the Coro Contemporáneo de Tenerife and co-directs the Coro EnArmonía, fusing her pedagogical vocation with active musical direction.