Construction Project: The
Evolution of
a Pan Flute
The Musical Instrument Fund is once again fully engaged in the development of a new instrument. Following the innovative harp for Remy van Kesteren and the unique “Monteverdi organ” for Krijn Koetsveld, work is currently underway on the construction of the ultimate pan flute: a metal pan flute, based on an idea by “National Pan Flutist” Matthijs Koene. Frits Schutte (Head of Collections) is leading this project in collaboration with Flentrop Orgelbouw and Matthijs Koene.
Organ Builder
The organ builder from Zaandam Flentrop has assembled a team of four people to build a metal pan flute that meets the demands of contemporary music and offers new possibilities for expression.
Metal Pipes
Matthijs Koene feels limited in his creative possibilities by the conventional bamboo pan flute and has been experimenting with new techniques for a long time. He has discovered that metal pipes offer him far greater dynamic possibilities, opening the door to a much broader repertoire.
Romanian Pan Flute Maker
As far as we know, there is only one professional pan flute maker who builds metal pan flutes. Matthijs owns one made by this Romanian craftsman. However, the mouthpieces are made of wood, and wood and metal are not a good combination, not least because air always “leaks” out a little. In addition, the Romanian maker has no experience with the intonation and the necessary gradual tapering of the metal pipes.
Funding
The Musical Instrument Fund has found a private donor willing to fully finance this project. Unfortunately, we’ve had to significantly adjust the expected completion date (due in part to the coronavirus pandemic). We now expect the flute to be completed in 2021.
