Why were you looking for a different instrument and a different bow?

I had inherited my previous violin from my sister, who had stopped playing the violin and preferred to focus on the piano. It was a beautiful violin, ideal for the classical repertoire, and I enjoyed practicing on it for many years.

When I was admitted to the Young Talent program at the Royal Conservatory, my teacher began encouraging me to expand my playing to include various musical styles. As I began playing a wider variety of pieces, I realized that my old violin could no longer provide the sound I was looking for. I also experienced problems with projection, which was especially noticeable when I played with a pianist.

An additional challenge was my bow. It had been loaned to me from Belgium, and I had to return it when I moved to the Netherlands. While my application with the Musical Instrument Fund was pending, I temporarily played with a carbon fiber bow, which did not fully meet my needs.

I am therefore extremely grateful that the Music Instrument Fund helped me find a suitable instrument so that I can continue my musical development.

Which instrument and bow from the Musical Instrument Fund's collection did you choose, and why?

I chose a newly built violin by Bas Maas from Amsterdam, 2025, and a bow by Daniël Ter Berg, 1975. When I first tried the violin, I was about to choose another instrument from the collection. However, I wasn’t entirely sure about that choice. But as soon as I played the Bas Maas violin, I had no doubts. The instrument feels very supple, and the tone has a beautiful balance between depth and clarity.

This is perfectly complemented by Daniël Ter Berg’s bow is a perfect fit: it responds quickly and enhances the clarity of the sound, yet remains versatile across every timbre. This combination of flexibility, resonance, clarity, and a responsive bow is exactly what I was looking for.

Did you know that Bas Maas talks about the construction process of this violin in our new magazine? Quickly turn to page 30.

Was it hard to say goodbye to your previous instrument and bow?

I still have my old violin, so it doesn’t really feel like a final goodbye, even though I don’t play it anymore. The biggest challenge now is getting used to a different playing style. During my search, I played various instruments for several months, which means I no longer have the same intuition as before. Nevertheless, I’m really looking forward to rebuilding that familiarity with the Maas violin.

Which event are you looking forward to playing in with Maas and Ter Berg?

I’m looking forward to performing at the Davina van Wely Competition next year, for which I’m currently busy preparing. It’s a wonderful opportunity to explore the sound and technique of a new instrument and to perform a diverse repertoire on stage. I’m very curious to see what I’ll discover in my music in the coming months!

Our Musicians

The more than 435 musicians you are currently supporting are extremely grateful to you. After all, a good instrument is often expensive, but also indispensable. Thanks to your involvement with the Musical Instrument Fund, they have the opportunity to develop to their full potential, take on challenges, and find inspiration.

Discover more talents