Jan Schumacher (*1980) is an internationally acclaimed conductor and professor at Goethe University Frankfurt. Since 2024, he has been the artistic director of the Frankfurter Singakademie and leads ensembles such as Camerata Musica Limburg, with which he performs worldwide and has won awards.

With a broad repertoire ranging from Gregorian chant to contemporary premieres, Jan is a highly sought-after conductor, jury member, and teacher at international festivals and competitions. He is Vice President of the International Federation for Choral Music (IFCM) and a jury member of CantaRode 2025.

Margarita Celmiņa is a Latvian singer and choir conductor based in the Netherlands. She is active as both a singer and conductor in various choirs and ensembles, with a repertoire ranging from Baroque to contemporary music. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in vocal performance at Conservatorium Maastricht under Yvonne Schiffelers.

She performed as Peaseblossom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Opera Zuid) and won second prize at the 2022 International Organ-Vocal Competition in Neuss. Passionate about contemporary music, Margarita collaborates with composers on new works and sings in ensembles such as Studium Chorale, Omnes Terminos, and ..the sleep of apples. She also conducts Vocaal Ensemble Kerkrade and the vocal group Scatch.

John Gubbels is an experienced percussionist and music educator with a passion for connecting people through music. He began his musical journey at a local music association and studied percussion and wind band conducting at the conservatory.

John has extensive experience as a teacher, freelance percussionist, and conductor of orchestras. He has contributed to various theater productions and performed in bands ranging from classical to pop and jazz. In addition to his artistic work, he has a strong interest in cultural management. Since 2016, he has been the director of Stichting SMK, where he combines music and policy.

Véron Jongstra is a versatile pianist with a rich musical background. After studying at the Maastricht and Rotterdam Conservatories, she earned diplomas in Piano, Choral Conducting, and Music in Education. She is affiliated with the Stichting Muziekschool Kerkrade, where she teaches and mentors young talents.

In addition to her work as a teacher, Véron is an experienced accompanist for soloists and choirs and frequently performs as a soloist. She conducts the Chèvremonts Men’s Choir 1912 Kerkrade and the Women’s Choir Femmes Vocales Meijel, sharing her love for choral music.