Students from
Nesko share
their unforgettable
experiences
Last April, the students of the Dutch Student Chamber Orchestra (Nesko) went on tour to various cities in the Netherlands. The Musical Instrument Fund was proud to loan instruments and bows to no fewer than 16 orchestra members, marking the beginning of a meaningful collaboration. And fortunately, the feedback from both sides was very positive! We asked the orchestra members what it was like to play an instrument from our collection. Here are some of their experiences.
An experience I'll never forget
The experiences of these young, passionate orchestra members demonstrate just how valuable this collaboration has been. We’d like to share them with you:
“I had an absolute blast playing a beautiful 1925 Amsterdam violin. It was so much fun to play such a lovely instrument for the duration of a project. I’m incredibly grateful that the Music Instrument Fund gave us this opportunity through Nesko.”
“So far, I’ve had the privilege of playing a cello from Het Muziekinstrumentenfonds twice, and as an amateur musician, that’s a very special experience. While playing, I immediately noticed that it was a high-quality instrument. The sound, for example, was very full and rich, and the cello responded much more easily than my own instrument. This was an experience I’ll never forget!”
I got to know my instrument in a new way
The students were given over a month to play an instrument or bow from the collection of the Musical Instrument Fund. During this time, they were able to learn a great deal—not only on an individual level, but also while playing together. Here’s what we heard:
“Playing an instrument from the Musical Instrument Fund gives me, as an amateur, the chance to experience what it’s like to play such a beautiful instrument, which motivates and inspires me while also enriching my life immensely.”
“A wonderful opportunity to experience what a difference a bow can make. I got to know my instrument in a whole new way."
"I thoroughly enjoyed my time playing a beautiful violin from the Music Instrument Fund’s collection. It was so much easier to get the sound I wanted out of it, and playing was even more fun. And it taught me a lot about playing in an orchestra. I’m very happy that the fund gave me that opportunity."
We hope that this educational aspect of our collaboration will continue to have a lasting impact!
A fruitful collaboration
Thanks to this collaboration, inspired by our long-standing relationship with the Netherlands Student Orchestra, the students of the Netherlands Student Chamber Orchestra had the opportunity to play high-quality instruments during their tour. Many of the instruments made available to the orchestra members were built in the Netherlands over the past few decades.
Afterward, they returned the instruments and bows for a maintenance check at a violin maker we designated or even the instrument’s original maker. We hope that this has planted the first seed for a long-lasting relationship between musician and maker.
In addition, both Nesko and the Musical Instrument Fund were able to introduce themselves to each other’s loyal supporters. The student chamber orchestra performed in several Dutch concert halls, which provided a great opportunity for the fund to effectively raise its profile.