"You don't choose
the stick—
the stick chooses you!"
“Wow, I’m really feeling that ultimate Harry Potter vibe,” someone calls out from the mezzanine. “First wandering through those narrow, dark alleys, then this narrow, tall little building, and now: you don’t choose the wand—the wand chooses you!” On Saturday, January 11, our little office was bursting at the seams with students who came to try out an instrument for the upcoming project of the Netherlands Student Orchestra (NSO). Violins, violas, cellos, and bows were being played across three floors. In February, they’ll give 13 concerts.
Wager and Stravinsky
After a month of intensive rehearsals, the NSO students will kick off their tour in February. “Ecstasy” is the theme of this year’s project. The program features works from Wagner’s *Tristan und Isolde*, Stravinsky’s *The Rite of Spring*, and a special composition by Rick van Veldhuizen. As in previous years, the Musical Instrument Fund is giving several NSO members the opportunity to play an instrument from its collection during the tour.
The Art of Listening
Geertje van der Linden, collection manager at Het Muziekinstrumentenfonds: “It’s wonderful for us to see the enthusiasm of so many young musicians. And for the students, it’s very inspiring to be able to play on such a beautiful instrument. And it’s a special opportunity to get to know the Musical Instrument Fund. Everything is covered: the art of listening and choosing an instrument, caring for your instrument, and having it checked by an expert before it can be returned to our office…”.
Students
The doorbell rings. Once again, an NSO member steps into our building, full of anticipation. Students come and go well into the afternoon. They form small groups on the various floors. While one plays, another listens with his eyes closed to determine which clarinet, violin, or cello sounds the most beautiful. By three o’clock, the last student has made their choice. The magic of the project can begin.
The NSO will perform at ten major Dutch concert venues from January 30 through February 23. For concert dates and tickets, click here. This year, nine orchestra members will play instruments from the collection of the Musical Instrument Fund, including the bass clarinet, violins, violas, cellos, a double bass, and bows.