Real name: Zangers van St. Frans

It was in 1959 that an originally Hague teacher (Mr. Wim Buys) was approached by a also Hague priest. The priest had recently come to Venray (NL) and soon discovered that the Paterskerk had no choir. Wim Buys was asked to settle in Venray to set up a boys' choir. He did not hesitate for a moment; the Singers of St. Frans, named after the Venrayse Franciscan Fathers, was born. The Paterskerk would become their home base.
In the past sixties, the choir has seen many highlights: concert tours through Europe (including Rome, Krakow, Berlin, Moscow and Barcelona) and the U.S. The choir joined the international federation Pueri Cantores, where mr. Wim Buys has been international president for quite some time. From a boys 'choir that celebrated Mass in the Paterskerk, the choir grew into a successful men's and boys' choir (for some years even a mixed choir) that received concert invitations from inside and outside Europe. Moreover, the choir has been the start of a musical career and / or study at the conservatory for a number of singers.
At the moment the choir consists of about 40 members, varying in age from 7 to 38 years. Unfortunately, Wim Buys will no longer be celebrating the 60th anniversary. After his death, co-conductor Vincent Las from Oss took over the baton and the gavel was handed over to Jos Valks.
At present (2020) the choir consists of about 30 members, ranging in age from 8 to 44 years old. The musical direction is in the hands of conductor Geert Verhallen. All members also receive vocal training every Tuesday from vocal teacher Janine Heuts.