About the foundation

about the

foundation

For musicians, a musical instrument that challenges and inspires is of great importance. These instruments are often very expensive. The Netherlands Musical Instrument Foundation ensures that musicians never find themselves without an instrument and gives them an instrument on loan that suits their ambitions, study and career. Currently, over 400 musicians play an instrument from our collection.

Our mission

Young talent, conservatory students, professional musicians... The Netherlands Musical Instruments Foundation helps develop their talent and grow their careers. We match musician to instrument and help find that magical spark. Every year we organize concerts to give our musicians a stage and we offer them the opportunity to participate in CD recordings, workshops and other activities. Sometimes we have exceptional instruments built on request, such as a contrabass flute, a harp with two extra strings, a metal pan flute and a Monteverdi organ. Musicians are initially given a six-year contract for the loan of their instrument. After that, renewal is possible.

Meet our musicians

impressive collection

With over 600 instruments and 300 bows, the foundation’s collection is one of the largest collections of musical instruments in Europe. String instruments form the core and we also have grand pianos, fortepianos, harps and classical guitars. The Netherlands Musical Instrument Foundation also has a bass clarinet, contrabass clarinet, contrabass flute and marimbas. Our two special bow collections (baroque and classical) can be used on a temporary basis for projects.

Discover the collection

‘for 20 years now

i pursue our musical mission.

this is only possible due to

the generosity of our donors’

— Manon Veenendaal, executive director

By music-loving donors

Our musical mission is possible thanks to the support of many donors. The foundation does not receive a government subsidy. 90 percent of our income comes from individuals and private funds. 10 percent comes from contributions from our musicians. We are extremely grateful to our music lovers who donate to the foundation. What we can give back is music. A few times a year we welcome them as guests of honor at special concerts, such as intimate living room concerts, the festive Presentation Concerts and performances in the finest concert halls in the Netherlands.

ways to support

Quirine Viersen. Photo: Marco Borggreve

Preservation of special instruments

The foundation cherishes our large collection of instruments from Dutch violin making history: Old Dutch string instruments from the 17th and 18th centuries, from Amsterdam and The Hague. But we have also placed orders for new instruments with many active Dutch luthiers and builders. All these antique and contemporary instruments are not kept in showcases behind glass, but in the hands of enthusiastic musicians. This not only keeps the instruments in top condition, but also makes sure the instruments can be played on and listened to by future generations.

Check out our instruments

Our partners

In recent years, the foundation has collaborated with many cultural organizations, such as music venues, other non-profits and conservatories. These collaborations have resulted in great opportunities, such as the realization of special projects or events. They also introduce the foundation to a new audience. Therefore, The Netherlands Musical Instrument Foundation cherishes partnerships and looks forward to continuing these or initiating more in the future.

Our partners