Aafje Heynis

Aafje Heynis was a renowned Dutch contralto, celebrated for her warm, expressive voice and deeply moving interpretations of sacred and classical music. Born in 1924, she rose to prominence in the mid-20th century, earning praise for her performances of works by Bach, Brahms, and Mahler, among others. Heynis was especially known for the spiritual depth she brought to oratorios and cantatas, and her recordings remain treasured by classical music lovers.

Throughout her career, Heynis recorded extensively, including a notable collection for the Philips label, and she was often praised for both the purity of her tone and her sensitive musicality. Beyond her vocal talent, she was admired for her humble and sincere approach to music-making, making her one of the most beloved classical singers from the Netherlands. Her legacy continues to inspire mezzo-sopranos and contraltos around the world.

Genres

Chamber Music

Classical

Opera

Choral

Baroque

Romantic Music

Art Song

Sacred

Lieder

Oratorio

Cantata

Related Artists

Anne Sofie von Otter

Christa Ludwig

Magdalena Kožená

Nathalie Stutzmann

Barbara Bonney

Teresa Berganza

Kathleen Ferrier

Marilyn Horne

Andreas Scholl

Emma Kirkby

Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau

Sara Mingardo

Latest Release

Lieder Recital

Aafje Heynis

Album - 23 Tracks - Released September 19, 2025