For years, top violinist Simone Lamsma has been delighting listeners worldwide with her Stradivarius. We are proud that next season she will be our guest at Residentie Orkest, Royal Conservatoire The Hague and Amare as artist in residence. Plenty of reason for a good conversation with the 'Dutch sensation'.

For a year now, musicians have barely been able to perform concerts. How did you experience the lockdown of the halls?

'That everything stopped so acutely was a shock. It is incredibly difficult to have to miss concerts with an audience for so long. But I try to stay positive and still spend my time usefully, because there is no alternative.... I study a lot, have done a lot of thinking, and have a lot of time to discover new music. For example, I came into contact with Thomas Larcher, which introduced me to his work, including a fantastic violin concerto. His music took me so much, that it led to Amare giving Thomas Larcher a composition commission as part of my upcoming residency. He is writing a work for solo violin for me; I can't wait to share his music with audiences in The Hague.

How do you feel about becoming an artist in residence with us?

'I find it a great pleasure and honor. A residency often arises from a shared past and trust, and offers the opportunity and freedom to strengthen and expand our bond. It is very special that this coincides with the opening of Amare; a great moment for the city of The Hague, and for the orchestra finally a new home! What I also like is that my residency offers space for concerts with the Residentie Orkest, but also for giving a recital, and working with students from the Royal Conservatoire The Hague.'

 Have you taught a master class before?

'Yes indeed. From my own experience, I know how important it is for your development to attend master classes. If I am on a concert tour and it fits in with my What's on, I like to give a master class. This is also very instructive for me because you start thinking very consciously and sometimes differently about how you approach the music and the violin. I have always been a very intuitive person, but to convey ideas, finding the right words is an extra challenge with that.'

You play one of the most beautiful violins made by Antonio Stradivari. How is that?

I have been playing this beautiful violin for years now, and still I discover new possibilities, it is a relationship that keeps growing. This violin has a strong personality and not only sounds different every day, but even changes during the day; if I take a break while studying, the instrument can sound completely different again afterwards. It's great to play a violin that challenges and inspires me.

How do you relax during concert tours?

'Actually, for me concert tours are always completely centered around the music and the concerts. Above all, I try to stay healthy and fit so that I have lots of energy for the rehearsals and concerts. I do like to walk around the area a bit to soak up the atmosphere of a city, but I often don't have the rest and time for sightseeing. Everything I do is aimed at keeping my focus. And I thoroughly enjoy that!

'In every concert season, I schedule periods when I don't have concerts. Time to reflect, really rest, study, and then get back to work fresh. Before corona, I led a balanced life in my opinion. I always tried to live consciously, but this time teaches me that I want to try to experience everything even more consciously, enjoy it, and seek even more depth. Quality over quantity!

Ronald Touw, violinist Residentie Orkest