Our fundraising charitable music foundation supports musical education projects as well as aspiring composers, instrumentalists and conductors who live in parts of the world where there is political strife or economic deprivation.

Our foundation

We founded the Rudi Martinus van Dijk Foundation in Rudi’s name to promote peace among diverse cultures around the world. Through sponsorship, scholarships and workshops, we hope to bring about change by giving young composer, instrumentalists and conductor’s opportunities to develop their musical talents. Here’s who’s involved:


Jeanne van Dijk (1930-2024)

President and Founder

Jeanne was a former Montessori director and Head of School, and widow to composer Rudi Martinus Van Dijk. She directed our foundation helping aspiring composers and conductors living in areas of political strife or economic deprivation by setting up and awarding international scholarships.

Dr. Sharon Brassey-Brierley

Co-Founder and Advisor

Sharon is a Ph.D. graduate of the Sociology Department at Boston College in Social Economics/Social Justice. She worked as a coordinator of volunteers with Mother Teresa in Calcutta, India and for eight years in rural poverty, domestic violence and community development.


Board of directors

Walter van Dijk, Executive Director

is the son of Dutch composer Rudi Martinus Van Dijk. He is a professional film, tv and stage actor. Walter van Dyk (stage name) studied acting with Uta Hagen at the HB Studios in New York and at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts London.

Anthony Marwood, MBE

Anthony Marwood enjoys a wide-ranging international career as violin soloist, director and chamber musician. Recent solo engagements include performances with the Boston Symphony, St Louis Symphony, Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, New World Symphony, London Philharmonic, Spanish National Orchestra, Adelaide Symphony and Sydney Symphony. He was appointed an MBE in the 2018 Queen’s New Year’s Honours List. "None could outshine Anthony Marwood - this concerto [[Ligeti]] demands Olympian calibre endurance from its soloist, and Marwood would surely have run away with the gold" The Boston Globe, August 2021

Liza Ferschtman

Dutch violinist Liza Ferschtman is known for her passionate performances, interesting programs and communicative qualities on stage. The daughter of Russian musicians, Liza Ferschtman grew up constantly surrounded by music. One of her earliest major influences was the violinist Philipp Hirschhorn, a close family friend. She received her formal training from Herman Krebbers at the Amsterdam Conservatory, Ida Kavafian at the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia and David Takeno in London. In 2006 she received the highest accolade awarded to a musician in the Netherlands, the Dutch Music Award.

Paul de Boer

Praised for his clear technique and elegant touch, Paul works with singers as a pianist, accompanist and conductor.

Paula Quint

Worked as Music Librarian at Utrecht Music Center, Muziek Centrum Nederland and DONEMUS. Paula's specialities include beschikbaar, digital information analysis, planning and managing music events.

Bert Verhaar, Chairman

Bert is also Chairman of the Board of the Van Wassenaer Orkest.

Greg Lawson

Greg founded Dutch animation studio, Lawson & Whatshisname and produces commercials, children’s series and independent shorts.

Advisory board

Our partners


Annual reports

Download our reports in PDF format.

Overview Financial Reports 2018- 2022

Contact us

Stichting Rudi Martinus van Dijk

011 44 7947378178

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