CLASSICAL SINGER · CHOIR CONDUCTOR
Creating Connections Through Music
With advances training in voice and music education, and additional training in NLP-based mental preparation, Astrid brings together her artistic experience, pedagogical expertise and understanding of performance psychology in her work as a singer, educator and musician.
With a background in professional concert performance, vocal pedagogy and ensemble singing, Astrid Defauw is further developing her work as a choir conductor through specialist training and practical experience.
Her approach to choral music combines attention to vocal technique, musical structure, text and expression. Drawing on her experience as a professional singer and vocal educator, she is passionate about helping ensembles develop a cohesive sound, confident musicianship and compelling musical interpretations.
Astrid currently leads Chœur Ventus and the International Court of Justice choir in The Hague and is pursuing further training in choir conducting at HKU Utrecht Conservatory. She welcomes opportunities for conducting projects, assistant conducting, and collaboration with choirs and musical organisations.
Diplomas
Royal Conservatory of Brussels
Masters in Singing
Pedagogy diploma (Agrégation CAESS) in Voice
Pedagogy diploma (Master Didactique) in Music Theory
Royal Conservatory of Antwerp
Masters in Opera Performance
Utrechts's Conservatory HKU - Choir Conducting Program for professional musicians - Academic year 2026-2027
Global NLP Training Amsterdam
NLP Master Practitioner Certification Mindset & Performance Coach
Current Ensembles
International Court of Justice Choir
The Hague, the Netherlands · September 2026–present
Choir Conductor
Chœur Ventus
The Hague, the Netherlands · September 2026–present
Founder and Choir Conductor
Regular conducting substitutions for other choirs · January 2025-present
Chœur Ventus
A new French-speaking Choir in The Hague
Chœur Ventus is a French-speaking mixed choir based in The Hague (Den Haag), Netherlands, founded and conducted by Astrid Defauw.
Launched in September 2026, Chœur Ventus offers a welcoming atmosphere, with a varied repertoire bringing together classical music, contemporary works, French chanson and jazz, creating a vibrant musical experience in French and beyond.
Who can join Chœur Ventus?
Chœur Ventus welcomes French-speaking adults who enjoy singing and are motivated to develop their musical skills as part of an ensemble.
No professional singing experience is required, but commitment, regular attendance and a willingness to work together are essential.
We are particularly looking for tenors and basses to strengthen our lower voices.
Where is Chœur Ventus based?
Chœur Ventus rehearses on Wednesday evenings in The Hague (Den Haag), Netherlands.
Chœur Ventus - A Christmas Concert
Saturday, December 12, 2026 20:00 · Barthkapel, The Hague
Come and celebrate the Christmas season with us in the cosy, candlelit atmosphere of the beautiful Barthkapel. Enjoy a selection of classical and contemporary musical gems, a few beloved Christmas songs, and special piano solos by our wonderful pianist, Laura Balicov.
We look forward to sharing this special musical moment with you!
Coaching
Guiding singers towards their unique voice
Young Talents
Astrid loves working with talented young singers, providing guidance for competitions, stage preparation and performance training. She helps them refine their technique and grow their self-confidence, on and off stage.
Passionate Adults
For over 17 years, Astrid guides passionate amateur singers and choir members on their vocal journey, combining personalised coaching, healthy voice development and carefully selected repertoire to nurture technique, musicality and confidence.
