Violin
ex-Herman Krebbers
to Tjeerd Top
Herman Krebbers’ violin, which the Musical Instrument Foundation purchased last year, is back today in the place where it played a prominent role for decades: the stage of the Concertgebouw.
The young Dutch violinist Tjeerd Top, who has served as associate concertmaster of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra since January 2005, is the instrument’s new player. He was the winner of the 2001 Oskar Back Competition. During that competition, he also received the Kersjes van de Groenekan Prize. “Anyone who can give every note such a clear interpretation can call himself a full-fledged soloist,” wrote De Telegraaf about him.
The violin in question was made around 1750 by Michel Angelo Bergonzi. After its purchase last year, the violin was temporarily played by Elisabeth Perry, concertmaster of the Radio Chamber Philharmonic. She described the violin as “one of the most beautiful instruments she has ever played.” In the coming years, this magnificent instrument will be in the hands of Tjeerd Top.