The first edition of Internationaal Lied Festival Zeist took place from Tuesday 17 to Sunday 22 May 2016 and was entirely dedicated to the ultimate lied composer Franz Schubert. Putting lied back on the map in the Netherlands for a wide audience has been Internationaal Lied Festival Zeist's central mission since its inception. By organising an annual festival. By making innovative connections between rich tradition and modern interpretation. By connecting contemporary internationally renowned lied interpreters with the new generation of singers*es and pianists*es. By promoting talent development in the field of classical music. By giving the audience the opportunity not only to enjoy listening, but also to actively participate in the festival themselves. By choosing an attractive and green location with fantastic acoustics, at a central, easily accessible spot in the country: the Church of the Evangelical Brotherhood in the leafy surroundings of Slot Zeist.
Since 2016, the festival grew into a leading event attracting a large audience. It emerged as a unique platform for artlied in the Netherlands, which has made enjoyment of classical lieds and the passing on of knowledge and expertise its spearheads. It now ranks among the top European lied festivals and may compete with festivals such as the Schubertiade in Schwarzenberg and Oxford International Song Festival.
Initiator Steven Matthijsen: ‘In July 2014, I said to my wife Marjon: “Surely the human voice is the most beautiful instrument.” Not for nothing are there piano pedagogues who say that a pianist actually has to learn to sing too in order to play well. Also, the cello - my own instrument - is often considered the most lilting of all instruments. Memories of my singing lessons during my student days surfaced. For instance, on our wedding day, I sang for Marjon Du holde Kunst, ich danke dir of Franz Schubert sung.’
From the Zeister Music Days, I knew Marcel Jansen. He was director of the Zeister Muziekschool, which was celebrating its 75th anniversary at the time. Marcel who, as it turned out, likes and sings a lot himself, was enthusiastic about the plan for a lied festival and with him I held several sessions to flesh out the idea.
In the spring of 2015, I came into contact with Aat Klompenhouwer, the chairman of Friends of the Song and very involved in all things classical lied. Aat himself was also toying with thought for a festival and I was pleased that he was also immediately enthusiastic: with all his years of national and international contacts including those with Robert Holl and Elly Ameling, Aat was obviously the ideal man for artistic matters. Robert Holl was no stranger, by the way, as he had also performed as part of the Zeister Muziekdagen in the past.
And so within a few months we had not only a complete liedfestival board but also a friends foundation together. From the summer of 2015, we worked hard and in May 2016, the first festival took place. A festival of international stature, under the inspiring, artistic direction of Robert Holl.”
The first festival was followed by annual enthusiastically received editions. 2020 should have been a festive year, but the first lustrum had to be cancelled because of the corona pandemic and in September, Aat Klompenhouwer died. Two high-impact events. But the festival stands like a house and has quickly gained a prominent place in the Dutch and European music landscape. After leading five successful editions, Robert Holl handed over artistic leadership to Henk Neven and Hans Eijsackers in 2022.