Valerie Schönen

For a few years now, I’ve had the pleasure of playing a violin from the Musical Instrument Fund. After playing for several years on a violin labeled “Ettore Soffritti in Ferrara,” I now play a violin made by Jaap Bolink in 1987 and a bow by an “anonymous” maker from around 1900.

I started playing the violin when I was six. I soon realized that this was my greatest passion. Starting at age nine, I took lessons from Coosje Wijzenbeek in the Amsterdam Young Talent class and played in the Fancy Fiddlers, with whom I performed in and attended various concerts and courses both in the Netherlands and abroad.

Starting in 2013, I studied at the Academy for Musical Talent at the Utrecht Conservatory, majoring under Chris Duindam. In 2016, I began my bachelor’s program at the Utrecht Conservatory. In 2020, I started my master’s program at the Utrecht Conservatory under Carla Leurs. During my studies, in addition to my deep passion for classical music, I also developed a passion for other musical styles, such as jazz, film music, and trance. With my master’s recital, I took my audience on a journey through a musically sophisticated yet broadly accessible program for both connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike. The program featured “my musical world tour” with classical, jazz, and film music, and I collaborated with dancers, among others.

I find it inspiring that the field of music offers such a wide range of possibilities, which has made my musical career very varied. For example, I’ve done crossover projects with artists such as Armin van Buuren, David Garrett, and Epica. I also play in orchestras, perform chamber music, take courses, and give violin lessons.