Andrej van Brakel
cello bow
Hi, I’m Andrej! Since I was about thirteen, I’ve had the unique privilege of receiving support from the Musical Instrument Fund. They’ve already done so much for me and continue to actively help me in my development as a musician and cellist. In addition to all the work we do ourselves, as musicians, to continue growing—our never-ending quest for more refined forms of expression, timbre, you name it—the “tools,” to put it very simply, are invaluable.
It’s not just important to play an instrument and bow that you feel comfortable with; it’s just as essential to have something in your hands that continues to fascinate and challenge you, that invites you time and again to take the next step! I am immensely grateful to the Musical Instrument Fund for the support and opportunities they have provided me in this regard. Without such a fund, the possibilities would be so much more limited.
After many years, I’m not currently playing a cello from the Musical Instrument Fund, because I’ve been given another beautiful instrument to use for two years. Of course, I definitely hope to “return” soon and stay in close contact! The Musical Instrument Fund supports musicians like no other fund I’ve come across so far!
The bow I’ve been using for years is a magnificent bow by the German maker Jochen Schmidt, from 1997.
