Skip to content

Meet
violinist
Eline van Dijk

Thanks to your support of the Musical Instrument Fund, you’re bringing immense joy to hundreds of talented musicians, such as Eline van Dijk. You may recognize this talented young violinist from our latest magazine, where she was interviewed alongside her family for the “Music Is a Top-Level Sport” feature. At that time, Eline was still on the waiting list for a violin, but she has since found her perfect instrument—one with a special history!

News
26 February 2025 by Indy de Vries

Why were you looking for a different violin?

For several years, I had the great pleasure and joy of playing the Houniet violin, which my teacher, Chris Duindam, lent to me. During my most recent solo performances, I realized that I wanted to produce even more volume and was looking for more layers of tone that would suit my current playing style.

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

I chose the Pique, built in Paris (1797) and formerly owned and played by Theo Olof. I feel very honored to be the next generation to play this violin. Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to try out a number of instruments, but none of the violins surpassed the capabilities of the Houniet violin. Just before Christmas, Geertje from Het Muziekinstrumentenfonds called me with the good news that two more exceptional violins had become available, and after trying them out for a day, I immediately chose this beautiful Pique. The sound gives me a familiar feeling, as if I already know it. The size also fits me perfectly, and because of that, I’m beginning to discover all its nuances and just how far it can go as a solo instrument.

Is it hard to say goodbye to your old violin?

Yes, it really was a farewell, because I was so familiar with and connected to the Houniet. I knew exactly how to express myself on that instrument. Now I have to figure that out on the Pique, and hopefully we’ll become a good team, too.

Which concert are you most looking forward to performing at with your new instrument from the fund?

I've been selected for the first round of a competition in Estonia in early April. I'll be performing a wide-ranging repertoire there and can really let loose with my new Pique violin!

Did you know that Eline also has a bow, donated by Anton Kersjes, on loan from the Musical Instrument Fund?

Our Musicians

High-quality musical instruments are often very expensive, but your support helps ensure that more than 435 talented musicians can play a good instrument that suits them. The Musical Instrument Fund and the musicians are extremely grateful to you for this!

Discover all the talents