Like many with us, we are dismayed that the Dutch Cultural Participation Fund has decided to stop funding the six national institutions dedicated to helping children and young people who want to sing or learn to play an instrument. We used to gain individual experience at several of these places as teenagers: we all played in the National Youth Orchestra, Rosa and Jeanita competed in the Dutch Violin Competition, Rebecca sang for years at Vocal Talent Netherlands, Annemijn competed in the Prinses Christina Concours (in her words: When I won a prize at the PCC I only realised I could play!). The quartet as a whole also participated in the Princess Christina Competition and then played concerts organised by them. AND we made one of our first theatrical performances for the NJO Muziekzomer (see archive material on the left)! Without base of the pyramid, no top….
Therefore: support the essential Dutch organisations Nationale Jeugdorkesten Nederland, Prinses Christina Concours, Vocaal Talent Nederland, Ricciotti ensemble, Nederlands Vioolconcours and Britten for Young Musical Talent and sign this petition (Dutch only)!