Stories from

our instrument room

How the application process works

Musicians looking for a different instrument can submit their application to the Musical Instrument Fund through its website. After an introductory interview, an evaluation, and subsequent approval, the talented musician may try out instruments. Sometimes there are several to choose from, sometimes only one, and it also happens that no suitable instrument is available at that moment. In the case of string instruments, if there is a potential match, the musician may take the chosen instrument home on a trial basis.

A period of getting to know each other and thoroughly testing the instrument follows: how does the instrument respond in different spaces and situations, and how does it feel to play it? It’s not uncommon for them to ask fellow musicians, ensemble members, or fellow orchestra members for their opinion. Is it a good match? Then we’ll finalize the paperwork, and the loan officially begins! Typically, it starts with a six-year term, followed by the option to extend for another five years each time.

Signed

For many talented musicians, the spark has recently been ignited, and the necessary paperwork has been signed. We wish them an inspiring and, hopefully, long-lasting musical partnership!

We’d like to highlight a few stories:

Alice Sinacori (25) takes great pleasure in playing the Storioni viola (Cremona, 1778) and now also has a Charles Bazin bow on loan. We acquired this exceptional viola thanks to a generous donation from the heirs and family of Mrs. Genders. As principal viola in the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra, Alice was looking for a colorful and richly resonant instrument. We therefore entrusted her with the Storioni. She had already presented the viola during the festive unveiling of our new name and brand identity. After a thorough trial period, Alice is indeed eager to continue her adventure with the Storioni.

Read the article here about the festive unveiling in September 2025, when the NOS Journaal news program stopped by to hear the Storioni.

Alejandro Márquez (28) has a Heckel bassoon (Wiesbaden 1965) on loan. In our magazine last September, we wrote that we were in the middle of the process of acquiring the bassoon that belonged to the late Arthur Huygens. The purchase has been finalized, and Alejandro will indeed be able to borrow the instrument. The smile he’s showing on the magazine cover is now more than justified!

Read the interview

Katie Yao Morgan (25) is once again on loan the Bechstein grand piano (1904), known as “the Gerritzen grand.” After completing her degree in psychology and her master’s in piano, she briefly returned to England to complete a master’s in forensic criminology. She is now back in the Netherlands and was delighted to hear that her beloved Bechstein grand piano would once again be available to her as she continues her piano career.

Alberto Monge Mansilla (28) plays a Mandelli double bass (Calco 1929). Alberto realized that he had reached a plateau with his own instrument and was pushing the limits of the bass. In order to succeed in orchestra auditions, he applied for a high-quality double bass. The Mandelli has a proven track record, and that was demonstrated once again when Alberto won an audition with Philzuid.

Beatriz Li Rosão (19) plays the Gregorio Antoniazzi violin (Colle, ca. 1750), which was donated earlier this year by a former violinist. The donor shared her story in our magazine and on the website. Recently, Beatriz gave the promised thank-you concert in the apartment complex where the woman lives; it was a fantastic concert that drew a lot of interest from fellow residents and family, and marked a moving reunion with the violin.

Read the story by Ms. Lantinga about the donation of her cherished violin.

Maria Inês Simas (21) plays a Daniël Royé cello (Amsterdam, 2004). Maria is a student in The Hague and an active, much-sought-after chamber musician who, unfortunately, was hindered in her studies by a cello that was too large and ill-fitting. Fortunately, the Musical Instrument Fund had a 7/8-size cello available from luthier Daniël Royé for cellists who benefit from a shorter scale length.

Mako Kodama (31) has a Neupert fortepiano (1992) on loan. The instrument was built based on a Johan Dulcken from Munich dating from around 1815 and was donated to the fund. The Japanese pianist studied in Japan and Germany but is now pursuing a master’s degree in fortepiano in The Hague. She frequently performs chamber music in authentic styles with fellow musicians from the Netherlands.

Dennis Levin (26) plays a Daniël Royé double bass (Amsterdam, 2007). The jazz bassist is studying in Amsterdam and is actively involved in the Dutch improvisation and jazz scene. The Royé bass he has chosen happened to have been played first for nearly ten years by his teacher Servaas Jessen and then for over six years by his other teacher, Clemens van der Feen.

Teresa Caleiro (22) plays a J.T. Cuypers viola (The Hague, 1776) with a Panhaleux bow (Lille, 1993). The Portuguese violist is studying in Amsterdam and performs extensively in chamber music ensembles and orchestras. The Musical Instrument Fund purchased the Panhaleux bow earlier this year in Paris when it happened to cross our path. Its exceptional quality left us in no doubt that we should add the bow to our collection. It has found a very good home in Teresa’s hands!

Preslav Lambev (20) plays an Uebel violin (Amsterdam, 1947) with a Helge Netland bow (Switzerland, 2006). Preslav, a Bulgarian, is studying in Groningen and, having just arrived in the Netherlands, has already made a name for himself at the Princess Christina Competition and the Aurora Festival. His rapid progress called for an instrument with greater potential. He has undoubtedly found it in this Amsterdam-made violin.

Enrique Álvarez del Moral (21) plays a Steinway B grand piano (1991). For several years now, this top-of-the-line grand piano has been permanently housed in a student apartment in Amsterdam for pianists with scholarships from the Jacques Vonk Fund. As a result, before Enrique, the talented students Pablo Suaste and Illia Fialko were already able to enjoy living space that included their own instrument. The Steinway was acquired by the Musical Instrument Fund from an estate.

With your help

The Musical Instrument Fund remains committed to providing instruments to talented musicians. We couldn’t do this without the support of music lovers who care deeply about our cause. Would you like to become a donor and help musicians? Then fill out the form today:

Donate Now