Many highlights:

That was the

Chamber Music Festival '23

Wide selection

“Bloom during the NMF Chamber Music Festival at Natuurmonumenten” was our mission. We hope you were swept away by the music, by the natural talent on stage, and by the inspiring, nature-rich venues, each with its own history. The concerts showcased a wide range of musical styles and musicians, all supported by the Musical Instrument Fund: from the Chamber Jazz Consort at Jachtslot Mookerheide, the Bang Percussion Trio at Fort Nigtevecht, gypsy jazz at the Haarzuilens Estate, and neoclassical piano music at Fort Uitermeer, all the way to classical and romantic highlights at venues including the fairytale-like Buitenplaats Beeckestijn.

The sun broke through

We were so lucky to have such warm October weather! At some locations, doors and windows were left open to let in a bit of cool air. Outside, the chairs could stay set up, as the weather allowed for the musical walk at De Tempel country estate (Rotterdam). The guided tours and excursions with the forest ranger through the nature reserves went well, with curiosity and admiration for nature taking center stage.

Experience

At a number of concerts, the festive atmosphere was enhanced by the offering of a lunch, high tea, drinks reception, dinner, or coffee package. The collaboration between the two charities was always highlighted by a brief presentation first from Natuurmonumenten and then from Het Muziekinstrumentenfonds. The instruments came to life through stories about their history and the significance they hold for the musicians.

For young and old

At the Carolinahoeve, many very young visitors were eager to hear the story of “Ferdinand the Little Bull,” told by Danischa Bah (winner of the 2023 National Reading Aloud Contest) and accompanied by Carla Leurs on the violin. The program also featured works by Bach and Paganini, as well as cheerful songs. The room was decorated with little flags and children’s violins, and the floor was strewn with cushions where the children could make themselves comfortable. Afterward, a line formed—there was certainly plenty of interest in the violin! Carla helped them bow the strings. The concert left a deep impression on many of the children.

At dusk

The evening concerts were intimate and atmospheric. From violin and harpsichord in a hunting lodge to piano trios in a centuries-old castle. And from virtuoso violin playing in a coach house to gypsy music featuring the cimbalom and violin in an old farmhouse. Twilight sets in early in October, and nature grows still. Listening together to a personal concert by the musicians created a special feeling.

The Exceptions

Sometimes things happen that no one could have anticipated. While violinist Julija Hartig and pianist Reineke Broekhans were warming up in the coach house at Buitenplaats Beeckestijn, a marble fell into the tuned grand piano that Reineke was scheduled to play for an audience an hour later. No panic! With everyone leaning over the strings and using their cell phones as flashlights, the marble was found and removed with a pencil. An hour later, the audience was blown away by the surprising and intense sounds of Dark Velvet, with which Julija and Reineke won an Edison Klassiek award in the National Newcomer category.

At the Plofhuis in Fort Uitermeer, too, we heard some strange sounds mixed in with the string music. A squeaking mouse almost slipped inside. Unfortunately, the mouse didn’t get to hear any of the wonderful concert, but we were secretly quite happy about that. And during pianist Matteo Myderwyk’s Veluwe Suite, it was the young Scottish Highland cattle on the Veluwezoom that were singing along a bit too loudly.

Positive feedback

We were delighted by the feedback we received: “What a great initiative—you should do this more often.” “I really enjoyed it! It was wonderful to learn about the different instruments and timbres.” “Thank you very much for the truly uplifting concert and for the warm welcome from the female forest rangers at Natuurmonumenten.”

One visitor was deeply moved by the music and wrote a note to the musicians, sharing with us a poem he wrote after the performance. Many listeners enjoyed the performance with their eyes closed. The music really resonated with them. We hope the concerts touched you. Please don’t hesitate to share your experience with us: info@muziekinstrumentenfonds.nl.

Special thanks to...

Without the help of forest rangers, volunteers, and musicians, this festival would not have been possible... We admire everyone who worked hard to make the concerts a success. Thank you to the musicians, who often had to travel long distances and sometimes didn’t get home until very late, and of course for their beautiful performances and personal stories. Thanks to our partner Natuurmonumenten, with whom we once again had the great pleasure of collaborating. And thanks to the visitors for coming and for their thunderous applause! We hope to see you again in 2025.