Ruben Smits (the Netherlands, 1991) is the conductor of award winning a cappella pop choirs VIVID, Studio Voices and male choir Gozers Acapella and as an invited pop choir conductor and conducting/arranging teacher in the Netherlands and internationally.
Inspired by American contemporary acapella and Danish innovative choir leading, he combines various conducting methods with group improvisation and offers expressive freedom to the singers in his ensembles.
His 500+ vocal pop and jazz arrangements are internationally published and performed worldwide.
His articles on pop arranging since 1960 are published in the book “Zang Puur Sang” (2022).
As a choir leading teacher, he gave workshops, ateliers, masterclasses and courses to organizations and conductors in the United States, Canada and Malaysia. Recent international festival appearances include MCE International Choral Festival in Kuala Lumpur, Boston Sings, USA, Dabei Festival, Germany and Voice Up A Cappella Festival, Istanbul, Turkey.
Choir Arrangements and Compositions
Bad Arrangements Kill Good Choirs
I believe arrangements should be fun and effective. They contain bits of ear candy and most of all: they bring out the best in your choir.
I offer custom arrangements to bring out the best in your choir! Shoot me a message to discuss opportunities.
Choir Conductor
My expertise lies in contemporary pop and jazz a cappella. And my musical scope ranges all the way to symphonic works and classical chamber choir. This variety inspires me, and motivates me to get the most out of the music and the singers.
Recent projects include a cappella pop and jazz concerts, pop-up projects, Mozarts Requiem and Dan Forrest's Requiem for the Living.
Workshops - Jury member - Ateliers - Clinics
Let's collaborate on your choir event! I can contribute to your choir festival or competition as an experienced festival conductor, jury member or clinician. In addition, I offer a variety of workshops and masterclasses that your participants will find inspiring, and/or will be a fun addition to your choir event.