Matches from
Hoogeveen to
Schin op Geul
When we picked up a beautiful Yamaha keyboard, the donor told us that his mother had tried to learn to play the piano. She didn’t play much, and it didn’t turn into a new hobby. The instrument was ready to play: we received a pedal, a stand, and a nice pair of wireless headphones along with it. The instrument was lovingly and carefully carried into the car. A guitar, also in the car, came from Amsterdam, with the hope of bringing others much joy in playing it. Just to be safe, a lesson manual was included as well.
Off to Hoogeveen
In Hoogeveen, everyone was eagerly awaiting the arrival of the instruments. The week before, there had been a party where a guitar had been borrowed from a neighbor, which had led to a lot of fun. It left everyone wanting more, so the instruments were very welcome.
The guitar was unpacked and played right away; with a smile from ear to ear, her fingers began searching for the right chords. A beginner guitarist was over the moon!
The keyboard had to wait a little while for a suitable spot. The pianist had taken lessons for five years; her father played as well, and now the keyboard is in constant use.
Off to Kampen
A darbuka (a hand drum commonly played in North Africa and the Middle East) received a warm and boisterous welcome in Kampen. Saïd, a 27-year-old from Syria, immediately got into the swing of things, surrounded by his friends. Unfortunately, he cannot be shown in the photo, but the fun was palpable.
Mark, a 17-year-old up-and-coming singer-songwriter from the region bordering Belarus, was a bit reserved but no less happy. With a beautiful digital piano, he can quietly refine his repertoire in his own room and, hopefully, process the images and impressions of the war. His moving video for the donor of this piano says more—much more—than our clumsy words…
Off to Schin op Geul
And then there’s Zakhar: 10 years old, his right arm bruised because he’d jumped over a stream the day before—which didn’t quite go as planned… He’s staying with his mother at a hotel in Schin op Geul. At first, there was some discomfort and embarrassment about simply receiving a beautiful accordion for free. But once he had the instrument on his lap, any awkwardness vanished, and despite his injury, he played a very respectable rendition of “Sous le ciel de Paris.”
And here, too, the smile was priceless! Zakhar has already found a teacher in the area, and his mother makes sure he studies (and from now on only jumps over narrow ditches?).
This text is a co-production with Yolanda Vosters (NTR)
Want more information?
You can read more about this emergency relief effort by the Musical Instrument Fund on this page. There you can find out how to help us provide instruments for refugees or make a monetary donation. Thank you very much!
This project is supported by:
