In Memory of Renata Dzigasova
She made a big impression at the thank-you concert in Culemborg in 2023: Renata Dzigasova opened the concert with a stunning performance of Amy Beach’s “Romance.” Her loaner violin and new bow proved to be an excellent match for her natural musicality and dedication.
After fleeing Ukraine, Renata ended up at the Prince Claus Conservatory in Groningen via an asylum seekers’ center in Friesland. Her Chinese violin was in terrible condition. Fortunately, her teacher, Veselina Manikova, told her about the “Doorspelen” initiative, and to Renata’s immense surprise and deep gratitude, within a few days she had a fine violin on loan (Jan Bolink, 1935), shortly thereafter a new bow from Kees van Hemert, and later still, two full grocery bags filled with sheet music.
From that point on, her studies progressed rapidly: she played first violin in the Martini Quartet and was active in various ensembles. And every time she was in contact with the Musical Instrument Fund, she expressed her deep gratitude. She also shared her story on NPO Radio Klassiek (which can still be heard here) and was determined to stay in the Netherlands to build a career here.
On December 15, 2024, Renata’s life came to a tragic end in a horrific traffic accident in which 7 of the 10 passengers in a minibus lost their lives—less than 100 km from her home in Ukraine. This also brought an abrupt end to what could have been a fulfilling life and a promising career in the Netherlands. Renata was 24 years old.
On January 29, a memorial concert was held at the Prince Claus Conservatory in Groningen, attended by Renata’s parents. It was an intense and emotional gathering during which her fellow students paid tribute to her through words and music. Renata, who considered herself a “lone wolf,” would have been surprised to hear how lovingly people spoke of her. At the end of the concert, a video was shown in which she plays an arrangement of Après un rêve by Fauré. The audience rewarded the video—recorded a few weeks before the accident—with a standing ovation!
Although the minivan was destroyed beyond recognition in the accident, the violin emerged from the wreckage undamaged. A final emotional moment came when Irina, Renata’s mother, handed the violin to Ben Cartens. Ben had to promise her that the violin would only be passed on to someone with the same dedication to music as Renata.
And that won't be an easy task...
