A CD as
a lasting tribute to
violinist Theo
Olof (1924–2012)
Today marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Theo Olof, co-founder of Het Muziekinstrumentenfonds. We would like to take a moment to reflect on this. He was a great violinist who made a significant contribution to Dutch musical life. We are therefore delighted by the news that a special CD release will be available this year! A small tribute to Theo.
More than forty years
For more than forty years, Theo Olof (1924–2012) enriched the Dutch music scene with his exceptional violin playing, his open-minded approach to music, his wonderful stories, and his modest and generous personality. For decades, he shared the first chair with violinist Herman Krebbers in both the Residentie Orchestra and the Concertgebouw Orchestra. And in 1988, he founded the Musical Instrument Fund together with Pieter Moerenhout.
You can read more about Theo’s involvement in the fund’s founding in this interview with Noortje Olof, Theo’s wife.
Renowned Instruments
Many prominent musicians in Dutch history have expressed their appreciation for the Musical Instrument Fund by supporting it—through donating their instruments to a new generation of musicians. Thanks to their commitment, we now have these cherished instruments in our collection, including those of Theo Olof, Herman Krebbers, Georges van Renesse, Bouw Lemkes, Davina van Wely, Anton Kersjes, and his late wife Margreet van de Groenekan.
CD featuring Bruch, Brahms, and Grieg
To celebrate the centennial of Theo Olof’s birth in Bonn on May 5, 2024, we are pleased to announce that the label Document (DOCU Music Production) is producing a new CD release. This “more classical” release is a counterpart to the 2013 CD/DVD box set “Theo Olof – Violinist.” On the new release, you’ll hear, among other works, the violin concertos by Bruch and Tchaikovsky and sonatas by Schumann, Brahms, and Grieg!
The release is now complete! The special CD edition is available for purchase on the DOCU Muziekproductie website, among other places. The CD release is not a production of Het Muziekinstrumentenfonds.
DOCU Music Production is looking for help
Production of the CD is still in full swing. To bring this unique project—and this lasting tribute to a great violinist—to life, DOCU Music Production still needs €1,500. You can help make this project a reality! Please transfer your contribution to their account number NL58 RABO 0131 9245 40 in the name of DOCU Muziekproductie, noting “donation for Olof release.”
Good news: when you make a donation (minimum €25), DOCU Muziekproductie will send you this special CD release, along with a free copy of Theo Olof’s book *Daar sta je dan opnieuw*. Please send your name and address details in an email to info@documuziekproductie.nl.