Two years ago, because it was 75 years after the end of the war, they had a big program ready. But commemorating and celebrating could not or barely continue because of corona. Hours of practice seemed to have been for nothing. But now the Wieringerwaard Music Association is picking up again and the musicians are still giving two major concerts.
“These will be two completely different concerts. May 4 is a real commemoration, more stately, we work together with the May 4 and 5 committee. After the commemoration in the cemetery, people come here, this gym, to follow a nice commemoration program” , says Tina Drijver of Muziekvereniging Wieringerwaard, “May 5 is really all about celebration and freedom. I think we all realize now how important that is.”
Two years ago everyone was ready for it, but then corona came around the corner and everything fell into the water. “We were really full in the preparation. It was 2020, 75 years after the liberation. It was really a big disappointment that it couldn’t go on then,” says Drijver. “But now, two years later, it’s still possible! We just thought ‘we’re going for it.'”
Rehearsal
It took a while to find each other in the orchestra again. During corona, practicing was also quite a task because you weren’t allowed to get together with so many people. “I must admit that it was a bit of a shock during the first rehearsal”, Tina Drijver says with a laugh, “but you pick it up quickly. And the closer the date comes, the more often people pick up the instrument at home. We are ready again.”
The May 4 concert, after the commemoration of death, will be fully dominated by Ukraine. The concert is freely accessible. A ticket is required for the concert on May 5, where the Alkmaar BigBand, singer Enrico and DJ Berry will also perform. Tina Drijver: “There are still plenty of them. So come and bring your friends. They are for sale through our website†