Bosmans Legacy

Henriëtte Bosmans (b. Amsterdam, Dec 6, 1895; d. Amsterdam, Jul 2, 1952) is considered one of the most important Dutch composers of the first half of the 20th century. As a pianist, she appeared with leading European conductors such as Pierre Monteux, Willem Mengelberg, Eduard van Beinum, Sir Adrian Boult and George Szell. Between 1929 and 1949 she performed 22 times as soloist with the Concertgebouw Orchestra.

Bosmans began studying music theory and composition with Jan Willem Kersbergen and later followed by composition lessons with Willem Pijper (1927–30) and instrumentation with Cornelis Dopper (1921–22). Her international breakthrough began in 1938, when violinist Willem Noske played her work Concertstuk for violin and orchestra in Prague and Paris.

This year 2021, it is 126 years since the great composer Henriëtte Bosmans was born and in 2022, 70 years since her early tragic death. Her life and works are an inspiration to the new generation of musicians and composers; therefore, she deserves to be celebrated and her music brought back to the stage. Her oeuvre consists of many works of high quality, unique style and true craftmanship, which will make for beautiful and interesting programs for the Dutch and international audiences for the years to come.

Bosmans gave her author rights to Genootschap Nederlandse Componisten (Geneco) to inspire and make it possible for younger generations to benefit from her life and work as a composer. Her legacy supported the important and necessary lobby work of Nieuw Geneco, to fundamentally improve the artistic and economic position of all contemporary composers.

Nieuw Geneco would like to see that her work receives the attention it deserves.
Together with our network partners we are planning to promote music by Henriëtte Bosmans with encouragement of performances and making it possible to program her works together with contemporary composers.

We like to collect suggestions, articles, and performances of her work here. Please contact us at bosmanslegacy@gmail.com when you have any suggestions.

On the next page you will find more information about Henriëtte Bosmans.