violin

In 2005, Herman Krebbers decided to sell the violin he had owned since he was 28 and on which he had performed all his major concerts and recordings. The decision weighed heavily on his heart because of the fond memories he had of the instrument and the bond he had built with it over 53 years. Krebbers deliberately chose not to offer the violin on the international market because, as he himself said, there would be a very high chance that it would end up in Japan or America. That was, literally and figuratively, a step too far for him. So Krebbers sought a worthy home for the violin—something that was far more important to him than a high sale price. Both the Concertgebouw Orchestra and the Musical Instrument Fund expressed interest. The Musical Instrument Fund considers itself very fortunate that the violin could be added to its collection, as this ensures its continued presence in the Netherlands and gives a new young top talent the opportunity, time and again, to take the stage with this magnificent instrument. The purchase was made possible thanks to a bequest from Mies Brinkgreve (hence the violin’s name) and a substantial donation from a foundation that wishes to remain anonymous. Elisabeth Perry, Tjeerd Top, and Rosanne Philippens preceded Maria Milstein in playing the violin.