From gold to plastic to a dream

Merel is the Amsterdammer of the Year 2019. She brings music to people, to those who cannot attend a concert on their own or who have not been exposed to it from home. With her foundation Philomela, she brings together newcomers, expats, the elderly, Amsterdammers, and children. “Music connects across so many differences.”“As a young child, I enjoyed the singing of birds so much that I wanted to be a bird myself and tried to teach myself how to fly. When I was older, I taught myself to play the piano because I found Bach’s music so beautiful and wanted to be able to play it. I truly believe in the power and beauty of music. We all carry music or songs with us that connect us to our childhood or a special moment. My father passed away when I was ten. To my sorrow, I later couldn’t remember which music was played at his funeral. Until during my studies at the Conservatory, I heard someone playing a piece by Schumann. At that moment, I was thrown back in time and found myself back in that room at the funeral home.”

Not perfect, but enjoy

“In December 2007, I sang for the Sultan of Oman. He had a palace built for himself with a fantastic concert hall, there were hundreds of servants, and the splendor could not have been greater. The next day, I performed for residents of a nursing home in Amsterdam. There, the plates were not made of gold, but of plastic. The concert started late because there weren’t enough volunteers to get the people downstairs on time. But perhaps these people enjoyed the concert even more than the sultan’s guests. A lady with dementia softly sang along. And a man who hadn’t spoken a word since his admission suddenly said something to his neighbor. Right then and there, I decided: I want to give these kinds of concerts more often; I want to try to make this possible for as many people as possible. A month later, I founded the Philomela Foundation.”

Music touches and comforts

“Philomela aims to bring music to people who are unable to attend a concert on their own or have not been exposed to it from home. This is why we organize professional concerts for and with people in care institutions. We bring together refugees, expats, and native Amsterdammers by having them sing together. We also introduce children in disadvantaged neighborhoods to classical music and have a teacher work with them towards a concert in a nearby care institution. Music truly has the power to bring people together and connect them across so many differences.”

That requires faith

“I am the director of the foundation, and this is a voluntary position. I collaborate with others to create programs, oversee the other volunteers, and perform regularly as a mezzo-soprano alongside our other professional musicians. I also work tirelessly to secure funds and sponsors. This requires belief in what you do and perseverance. But in return, we have developed so many beautiful music programs. And we have been able to bring joy to so many people in the afternoon.”

The effect

“I always find it special to hear from the caregivers what they see during a concert. They know the residents best, and are sometimes happily surprised when a resident who doesn’t react to anything suddenly starts drumming along with her fingers. Or when restless residents become calmer from music. And sometimes even manage with fewer medications for a while. I have also experienced someone, who was known for never saying anything, walking up to the pianist after the concert and saying that he had played beautifully and asking if he wanted a beer. I am not a scientist, I believe it because I experience it. Music brings joy. And it lingers for a long time, that’s how you reach people. That’s why we do it!”Photo: Jackie Mulder

Amsterdammer of the Year 2019

We wholeheartedly congratulate Merel on being named Amsterdammer of the Year 2019.
Merel: “I feel honored! But I don’t do this work alone. Our concerts are only possible thanks to a lot of help: from funds, sponsors, and especially from my amazing fellow volunteers Ton, Joost, Gilberto, Evelien, Annemiek, Bob, Nicolien, Pum, and Jana.”