cello

Brigitte de Groot (*1958 †2013) came from a musical family. Her father, Yves de Groot, was a concert pianist, conductor, and teacher. Her brother, Jeroen de Groot, was a well-known violinist and teacher. At the age of 9, Brigitte began taking cello lessons in Bergen op Zoom. After high school, she studied at the Sweelinck Conservatory in Amsterdam, where she was taught by Jean Decroos. Around that time, Brigitte acquired this classic English cello, purchased through Max Möller & Son at Willemsparkweg 15 in Amsterdam, where Andreas Post is now located. According to her, the cello had a unique, warm tone and was highly responsive.

After graduating from the conservatory with honors, Brigitte attended various masterclasses both in the Netherlands and abroad. She soon began as a principal cellist with the Brabants Orkest and eventually continued as a principal and professional cellist with the Zeeuws Orkest. For decades, she brought the warm tones of this cello to life in countless performances, including the recording of Bløf’s album *XXL (Live with the Zeeuws Orkest)* in 1998, which can still be heard on Spotify.

In addition, since 1994 she served as a cello instructor at the Center for the Arts in Bergen op Zoom and Roosendaal, where she dedicated herself to nurturing young talent alongside this magnificent cello. After her passing, her son donated this historic cello to the Musical Instrument Fund, ensuring that this legacy continues to this day. Joanna Cieslak was the first to play it, followed by Charlotte Brussee. Currently, the instrument is in the hands of Mare Keja.