Violins are given
a second
life in
Suriname
Holland Baroque is touring Suriname this November. While there, they will visit Ivar Masé’s School for Young Talent in Paramaribo. And they would love to bring beautiful, suitable musical instruments for the students. That’s why the Baroque ensemble asked if we could help with that. The Musical Instrument Fund was able to delight them with no fewer than 8 violins.
Holland Baroque in Suriname
After a two-year hiatus, the Holland Baroque ensemble is returning to Suriname to collaborate with the students of the School for Young Talent on a variety of projects and various concerts in Paramaribo. A documentary was made about a previous visit by Holland Baroque: “Baroque in Paramaribo” (NTR). Their mission is to make music with as many children as possible.
A New Destination: Paramaribo
For this project, Ivar and Holland Baroque are looking for suitable practice instruments. Some of these instruments were available through the "Doorspelen" campaign organized by the Musical Instrument Fund, but that campaign is actually intended for refugees...
The fact is that there is little demand for some instruments. Many violins suitable for advanced amateurs or music students have already found homes. The violins that remain unsold are better suited for beginning violinists, despite their high quality. For that reason, project leader Ben Cartens reached out to the donors of these violins. The majority of the donors are familiar with Holland Baroque and are also sympathetic to the difficult situation the orchestra faces as a result of lost subsidies. They all responded enthusiastically to the change in purpose and were willing to donate their violins to talented young musicians in Suriname.
Eight violins ready for the trip!
Since many of the instruments hadn’t been played in a long time, violin maker Saskia Schouten (Den Bosch) gave them a thorough overhaul. As a result, we were able to delight Holland Baroque with no fewer than eight violins that have a rich history behind them and will now continue their musical lives in the hands of young children in Suriname.
Presented in a festive ceremony
During a festive concert, Holland Baroque was finally able to present 21 violins, 2 flutes, a recorder, new strings, music stands, and sheet music. “Violin lessons can now begin! Thanks to all our donors!” Holland Baroque wrote on social media. Days filled with concerts featuring and for hundreds of children followed. An unforgettable week full of cultural exchange.
The Musical Instrument Fund as an intermediary
This isn’t the first time instruments have been repurposed for a use other than their original intended purpose. Sometimes we refer to the Leerorkest Foundation when there is a large supply of a particular instrument and little demand for it among refugees. For example, a significant number of flutes have already been sent to the Leerorkest. The Leerorkest Foundation does not focus specifically on refugees, but rather on children from low-income families—a related objective, therefore. In both cases, people facing difficult circumstances are given the opportunity to make music, and instruments that have long been unused are given a new lease on life. Of course, such a change in intended use only takes place with the express consent of the donors.
Thank you so much!Read more
The “Keep Playing” campaign is now in full swing. Project leader Ben Cartens recently recorded the 100th match! We sincerely thank all donors for their help and generosity. You can also support the project by donating an instrument or making a financial contribution.