The Year
of the
Dutch Masters
Yesterday, during its annual Presentation Concert, the Musical Instrument Foundation kicked off the first themed year in the fund’s history. In 2006, a large portion of the events organized by the Foundation will fall under the banner of “Dutch Masters.” The theme is primarily intended to highlight the fund’s exceptional collection of Dutch string instruments. This includes both historical instruments from the 17th through the 19th centuries and works by modern masters from the 20th and 21st centuries.
One of the highlights of the theme year will be an exhibition of these instruments. A symposium and the publication of a book are also planned.
Large collection of Dutch musical instruments
The Musical Instrument Foundation owns one of the largest collections of Dutch instruments and continually expands it through acquisitions and commissions for new instruments. Many Dutch instruments are purchased by foreign investors for the sole purpose of speculation. As a result, these instruments disappear from our country, often ending up in safes without ever being played. The Foundation seeks to protect this cultural heritage by purchasing these instruments itself and making them available to musicians and students.
Yesterday’s concert was attended by the new patron of the Musical Instrument Foundation, Prince Constantijn, who is thus following in his father’s footsteps. His wife, Princess Laurentien, was also present. During the concert, music exclusively by Dutch composers was performed by musicians who have borrowed instruments from the fund. The concert concluded with a performance of Ton de Leeuw’s Sonatina, played by Elisabeth Perry and Michelle Mares. Elisabeth Perry was temporarily granted use of the Bergonzi violin, which had been owned by Herman Krebbers for 53 years and was acquired this year by the Musical Instrument Foundation. This marked the first time in years that this violin could be heard in an official concert at the Concertgebouw.