INTERVIEW
When and where was your first concert with the MCO? I was lucky to be part of the first concert of MCO in Landshut 1997. It was the start of a wonderful and still ongoing adventure of exciting concerts!
The first piece of music you fell in love with: Bach’s St. Matthew Passion. When I was 12 years old my grandfather passed away and I inherited a record player and a vinyl LP of the St. Matthew Passion. I loved it.
What would you do if you weren’t a musician? I would make myself of use to people who need care.
What makes a “perfect” concert? When we all start ‘flying’ together, feeling the music, and when the public also feels the experience.
How do you spend your free time? With my family and friends. I like hiking and watching a good movie.
BIOGRAPHY
Paulien Holthuis studied at the Amsterdam Conservatory with Else Krieg and graduated in 1997 with her Bachelor’s degree. She continued her studies in Amsterdam with Johan Kracht and took masterclasses with Herman Krebbers. During this time she was also invited to play in the European Union Youth Orchestra and the Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra.
In 1997, Paulien became one of the founding members of the Mahler Chamber Orchestra and in the same year, she received a job in the Arnhem Philharmonic Orchestra.
Between MCO tours she plays chamber music in different settings and freelances for ensembles such as the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.
Paulien Holthuis playes on an unsigned Italian violin from about 1750.
