My name is Joris van den Berg; I am a cellist (soloist, chamber musician, and member of the Concertgebouw Orchestra) and have been a long-time borrower from the Musical Instrument Fund.
My name is Joris van den Berg; I am a cellist (soloist, chamber musician, and member of the Concertgebouw Orchestra) and have been a long-time borrower from the Music Instrument Fund. From around the age of 15 until I was 20, I had a beautiful cello by Jaap Bolink on loan. I gave my first concerts on this beautiful cello, and I look back on that time with great fondness. After winning the 2006 National Cello Competition, I was given the special opportunity to play a Guadagnini cello from the Music Instrument Fund. A very special cello with a fantastic sound, but one that at the same time posed an enormous challenge to play (partly because it could only be played with gut strings).
Since 2010, I’ve been playing a Grancino cello from 1703. It’s a fantastic instrument, a true “all-rounder.” After more than 10 years with the Grancino, I’m still discovering new sounds and nuances, and I think (and hope) this will continue for a long time to come. The cello inspires me to bring out the best in myself as a musician. Not a single concert goes by without me receiving a compliment on the sound of this beautiful instrument.
I am incredibly grateful to the Musical Instrument Fund for the fantastic opportunities they have provided—and continue to provide—to me and many other musicians. A good instrument gives us the chance to make the most of our potential, and Het Muziekinstrumentenfonds makes it possible for us (young) musicians to play suitable instruments so we can perform on the big stages. Having studied in various countries, I realize even more deeply the immeasurable value of a foundation like the Music Instrument Fund. In no other country do so many young musicians have the chance to play such high-quality instruments. It’s incredibly inspiring to have a good instrument, and I don’t think I would have achieved what I have today without the help of the Musical Instrument Fund!
Photo: Marcel van der Vlugt
