Olga Vocal Ensemble Press Kit

Olga Vocal Ensemble is a male a cappella vocal quintet based in Utrecht, the Netherlands.

Olga presents an eclectic mix of music, from ancient folk songs to church hymns to jazz standards. The singers are known for their rich, powerful sound and genuine (and often humorous) shows that take audiences on epic journeys and always leave them smiling.

Olga formed in 2012 at the Utrecht Conservatory in Utrecht, The Netherlands. It started small, but regular tours of the Netherlands and Iceland soon followed. Since then, Olga has recorded five albums, toured throughout Europe and the United States, and performed in the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Harpa in Reykjavík, and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. In 2017, Olga worked with the Vikings TV show to create an a cappella cover of their theme song. In 2018, while exploring feminist themes in music, Olga collaborated with organizations such as Sue’s Warriors and UN Women Netherlands. During the 2020 pandemic, Olga created Vox Virtual, an online singing festival that featured groups such as The Swingles, Accent, Cantus, ANÚNA, and Ensemble Rustavi.

Olga also adopted a red kettle as their mascot. His name is Ketill Olguson, and he accompanies them on all our adventures.

Members

Matthew Lawrence Smith (England) - tenor

Jonathan Alexander Ploeg (Netherlands) - tenor

Arjan Lienaerts (Netherlands) - baritone

Pétur Oddbergur Heimisson (Iceland) - bass-baritone

Philip Barkhudarov (Russia, USA) - bass

Contact

Get in touch with us at olgavocalensemble@gmail.com