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Meet
violinist
Bente Torstensson

Thanks to generous music lovers, the Musical Instrument Fund is able to lend instruments to talented musicians. Currently, more than 435 talented musicians, including violinist Bente Torstensson, play an instrument from our collection. Bente reached out to us because she was ready for a new challenge. Now she is the proud owner of a violin from Utrecht, built by Lambert Houniet in 1994.

News
21 August 2025 by Indy de Vries

Why were you looking for a different violin?

“I’d been enjoying playing my instrument for about 7 years, but I noticed that I was outgrowing the violin. I felt like I’d already explored every nook and cranny of the violin. I was loaned an instrument for a while and noticed just how big the difference was. Difficult passages in the music came more easily to me, and I made faster progress. When it was time to return that violin, I knew it was time for a new one.”

Which instrument from the collection did you choose, and why?

"I chose a violin built by Lambert Houniet in 1994. The violin has a clear tone, projects very well, and has a lovely sound. It feels as though anything is possible on this violin, and that I can now truly begin to discover what kind of musician I am. It really feels like a partnership—the violin helps me grow. It was also really nice to meet Lambert Houniet in person when I brought the violin to him for a checkup. It felt special to get to know the maker of my violin."

Was it an easy choice?

"When I visited Het Muziekinstrumentenfondss, I was quite overwhelmed by the number of beautiful instruments. I took four violins home with me and still had no idea which one to choose. However, when I started playing in my own environment, it quickly became clear that the Houniet suited me best. Even when I let friends play the violins, the sound of the Houniet appealed to me the most."

Was it hard to say goodbye to your previous instrument?

"A little bit, yes. Everything felt very familiar on that violin, and I knew it inside and out. Still, my enthusiasm for discovering a new instrument and continuing to develop as a violinist prevailed. The time was right to say goodbye."

Which event are you looking forward to playing in with the Houniet?

"I went on tour this summer with the National Youth Orchestra. We played at venues including the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam and the Konzerthaus in Berlin. It was great to be able to do that on this violin. My string quartet and I have a number of exciting concerts planned. I also play in the Utrecht String Ensemble, and we’ll be giving concerts with them as well. And this coming school year, I’ll be taking my bachelor’s final exam—I’m really looking forward to it!”

Our Musicians

On our website, you can get to know all of our talented musicians. The more than 435 musicians you currently support are eager to introduce themselves to you. They are extremely grateful for your involvement with the Musical Instrument Fund, because it gives them the opportunity to develop to their full potential, take on challenges, and find inspiration!

Get to know all the talents