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On Thursday, January 11, 2024, 6 young musicians played their hearts out in perhaps the most beautiful concert hall in the Netherlands: the small hall of the Royal Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. What does the LAM museum have to do with it? More than you might think.
The LAM museum was founded by the VandenBroek Foundation. Thanks to this foundation, our museum is housed in a beautiful building, we have the world’s largest collection of artworks on the theme of food & consumption, and there are enthusiastic View Coaches who help you look at the artworks in a special way.
In addition to the museum, the VandenBroek Foundation sponsors many other wonderful initiatives, including the Royal Concertgebouw Competition. Every year, children from all over the Netherlands have the opportunity to perform in the famous Concertgebouw and further develop their skills. The winner receives a cash prize.
In the 15 years of the competition, some incredible talents have emerged. Six of them, including the now internationally acclaimed flutist Lucie Horsch (24), performed on Tuesday evening, January 11, in the atmospheric Small Hall. Lucie won the very first edition when she was just 10 years old. Floris Kortie, known from the TV program Podium Klassiek, asked Lucie what advice she would give to the younger winners. ‘Absolutely nothing,’ said Lucie. ‘They probably know that much better than I do. Everyone has their own path. Discover who you are and what makes you unique. Trust in that. There is a place for everyone in this world.
Christiaan Blom, who won in 2009, was the first of the winners to perform. Then, the 15-year-old Jala Heywood got the audience swinging and singing with her voice and double bass. Just like in the final of the competition in 2020, her father accompanied her on the piano. Adam Akopian impressed with a masterpiece by Franz Liszt. Thirteen-year-old Vincent Opheikens expressed his dream of performing at the Ziggo Dome and then transported the audience with two special pieces on his guitar.
Liam Nassereddine, who won the Royal Concertgebouw Competition in 2023, closed the evening with virtuoso piano playing. Liam started by playing ‘just a little bit of piano’. When he was found to have a heart condition and had to undergo a major surgery, his love for music became serious. Music helped him during his recovery and the stressful time. ‘That’s when I decided I wanted to become a concert pianist.
The VandenBroek Foundation and the LAM museum warmly congratulate the six former winners on their wonderful performances. Sietske van Zanten, director of the LAM museum, attended the concert with pleasure and pride. ‘I am happy to echo the wise words of Lucie Horsch: Everyone is born unique. It’s beautiful how art, in any form – as a listener, visitor, or creator – can help you find that uniqueness.’
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