A sophisticated speed machine

for the “pan flute player

of the nation”

It took three years of close collaboration between organ builder Flentrop, a musician, and Het Muziekinstrumentenfonds to develop this unique instrument, which is equipped with a voicing mechanism. The instrument has a very distinctive and rich tone, responds quickly, and has a wide dynamic range.

A Dream Comes True

Following the Réus 49 (the world’s largest concert harp) for Remy van Kesteren and the construction of the portable Monteverdi organ, the foundation has once again commissioned the construction of an instrument—this “Flentrop” pan flute—that meets contemporary needs.

Matthijs Koene: “With this new instrument, a dream of mine is coming true. What makes this flute unique is that it’s made entirely of metal. As a result, I have access to a much wider range of timbres and an even faster response, giving me the tools to secure the pan flute’s well-deserved place as a classical instrument. Contemporary composers will certainly be inspired to write new works for this instrument. Last summer, I had the time to really get to know the flute. The character of the flute is also expressed in the way it wants to be played. I hoped that with the new flute I would be better able to suggest a legato, because the flute is more efficient and responds more quickly. That hope has come true! I’ve had to adjust my embouchure (“lip technique”), the position and speed of my tongue, and also the way I move the instrument from left to right. In short, my entire technique has been turned upside down. That’s not a problem, because I’ve fallen in love with this instrument!”

Over 200 pieces for the pan flute in twenty years

Matthijs Koene is a world-class musician whose inquisitive approach inspires composers to create new works. With the advent of the “Flentrop,” the pan flute as an instrument has not only been reinvented but also elevated to a higher level. Twenty years ago, the classical repertoire for the pan flute could be counted on one hand. Now there are more than 200 pieces written for it, including several solo concertos. In addition, a degree program has now been launched at the conservatory. The “Flentrop” has definitively put an end to the pan flute’s status as a neglected instrument. With it, the pan flute has shaken off the label of a folk instrument.

Manon Veenendaal, director: “Our foundation strives to provide (young) talent with a musical instrument that meets their high standards. Sometimes that means providing a centuries-old violin, and other times we decide to fulfill the wish to have an instrument built or further developed so that new possibilities arise in areas such as tone, dynamics, and responsiveness.  We hope that the intensive development and construction process—a collaboration between Flentrop, Matthijs Koene, and the foundation—has yielded the result that Matthijs Koene could only dream of three years ago.”

The pan flute in action

Matthijs’s pan flute is so unique that he was invited to showcase his instrument on Eva Jinek’s talk show. During this interview, the “national pan flute player” talks about how the instrument is made and how the pan flute is regaining the popularity it enjoyed in the 1980s. The interview concludes with Song for Life and Death!