Floris van den Ende

My name is Floris van den Ende, and I am a 25-year-old pianist who recently became the very fortunate loan recipient of a phenomenal Bösendorfer from the Musical Instrument Fund.

My musical journey has taken a somewhat unusual path. Although the piano played an important role in my childhood, I didn’t grow up in a musical family and had relatively little exposure to the possibilities of a professional career in music. As a result, after high school, I chose to study physics in Amsterdam.

However, it was during this time that my passion for the instrument truly began to blossom: since I suddenly lived just a fifteen-minute bike ride from the Concertgebouw, I could be found there every week, and my desire to pursue this dream grew. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I moved to Leuven to study at the conservatory under Julien Libeer. I was in excellent hands with him, and now I am fortunate to be further developing my skills at the Royal Conservatory under David Kuyken.

My dream of having my own practice piano came true in November thanks to the Musical Instrument Fund. In my eyes, this Bösendorfer is the ideal instrument: an incredibly deep and warm tone, paired with a touch that is highly responsive and challenges me. The fact that I can now practice on this grand piano every day is a great privilege and a tremendous support for my development, for which I am very grateful!