Skip to content

A weekend full of
Music & Monuments
Concerts

We look back with pride on the weekend of October 4 and 5: visitors flocked to the most beautiful locations throughout the country to enjoy stunning Music & Monuments Concerts, where culture, history, and nature came together in perfect harmony. There was always thunderous applause for the musicians who, playing instruments from the collection of the Musical Instrument Fund, brought music to life in forts and country estates managed by Natuurmonumenten. Read a recap here.

News
8 October 2025 by Indy de Vries

Fort Nigtevecht

On the first day, the beautifully decorated Genieloods at Fort Nigtevecht was filled with an audience for an enchanting concert by violinist Eline van Dijk and pianist Peter Sluijs. Every now and then, a mouse would dance to the beat of the music. The little creature knew no stage fright. As the wind gently sighed around the Genieloods, the sun shone through the windows.

Fortunately, the warehouse was well-built to withstand wind and weather, so it stood tall and proud, but the Pedano Trio certainly blew us away. It was truly inspiring to see how the Pedano sisters have grown into professional performers. Since 2017, Anuschka has been on loan an instrument from the Musical Instrument Fund, which has allowed us to follow her musical development up close.

The final item on the program at Fort Nigtevecht was a magically beautiful violin sonata by Debussy and Dvořák’s lively “Dumky” Trio, performed by the Chloé Piano Trio. There were so many happy faces afterward! And it actually all started in the fort’s barracks an hour and a half earlier. Families and groups of friends gathered cosily around the candlelit tables laden with delicious high tea treats. Outside, a few raindrops fell among the water lilies. And just as the park rangers began their guided tour and the musicians and audience crossed over to the Genieloods for the concert, a beautiful autumn sun broke through. Before the concert, violinist Maria Gîlicel and cellist Jobine Siekman spoke very personally about their beloved violin, cello, and bows from the foundation’s collection. It was the warm tone that drew them in—perfect for ensemble playing and chamber music. Magical, indeed.

Photography by Ben Houdijk

Photography by Ben Houdijk

The Carolinahoeve

The Hollywood Trio kicked off the event at the idyllically situated Carolinahoeve in the Veluwezoom. Playing the viola, oboe, and cello, they performed their own arrangements of well-known film scores. Occasionally, the clinking of spoons against coffee cups could be heard, but it wasn’t distracting. In fact, it fit right in with the scenes, as the trio used a loop station to create pre-recorded rhythms consisting of percussion sounds from pans and other kitchen utensils.

In the afternoon, Duo ABO—comprising violinist İdil Yunkuş and cellist Beste Yıldız—performed a series of surprising pieces. In between pieces by Glière and Mozart, we heard original pizzicato arrangements for cello and violin. The two musicians were perfectly in sync and didn’t mind at all when a passerby stopped to listen. It only made the performance feel even cozier.

The ride back was cozy, too: with piano stools, a cello, a violin, volunteers, and musicians, we all rode back to the station together in one car. Luckily, we were able to open a window.

A day later, beautiful music filled the farm once again. The 16-year-old twin sisters Emma and Roos Vondenhoff gave an impressive performance on the bassoon and harp, in exactly the same setting. “Absolutely beautiful,” wrote a colleague. Another success.

Duo ABO during the warm-up

Highlanders look up at the special visitor

On the estate

The two concerts at the Hiemstrastate Estate featured young, passionate musicians, and both were completely sold out. The audience gave cellist Tiago Henriques, harpist Claire Schuurmans, Baroque cellist Antonio Pellegrino, and pianist Agata Sorotokin standing ovations.

At the hunting lodge on the Mookerheide Estate, 3VIOLAS took visitors on a journey through nature. The three violists talked about their compositions, allowing the audience to truly connect with the music. The program fit perfectly with the richly decorated surroundings of the hunting lodge. Everyone was left feeling Art Nouveau.

The Felix Quartet also gave a brilliant performance in northern Limburg. The quartet played Schubert’s beautiful String Quartet No. 15 in G, with special praise for their technically impressive performance.

Photography by Ben Houdijk

Thank you so much

The Musical Instrument Fund is immensely grateful to everyone for the weekend filled with Music & Monuments Concerts. “The Chamber Music Festival with a new twist”—but certainly one we can bring out more often. As with previous editions, the collaboration with Natuurmonumenten was truly wonderful. Our heartfelt thanks go out to all the volunteers who showed such flexibility and welcomed visitors with warmth and hospitality. And what a tribute to the forest rangers, who guided the walks with great enthusiasm despite the gloomy weather! Finally, we’d like to thank the musicians for their wonderful performances and for traveling many kilometers to make these concerts possible. We’re already looking forward to the next Music & Monuments Concerts!

A Second Chance for the Marker Wadden

Fortunately, those are already scheduled. Unfortunately, the stormy weather prevented the boat from leaving Bataviahaven. Everyone who purchased a ticket for a concert at the Marker Wadden will receive a refund. Fortunately, pianist Ruben Hein and singer-songwriter Tim Knol are eager to perform for you in March. See you at the Marker Wadden!

Book (or rebook) your tickets