Trumpet, drum and teamwork: ISGA colleagues perform at the Canal Concert
What do you get when you bring a percussionist and a trumpet player together in a project orchestra? A story full of passion, unique experiences and a healthy dose of enthusiasm. We spoke with Tommy and Jeroen, both staff members at ISGA, about their participation in the Leiden Canal Concert on Sunday 6 July. This free open-air concert celebrates the university’s anniversary with an orchestra composed of staff, students and alumni.
What are your roles at the university?
Tommy: ‘I am a university lecturer in Cybersecurity Governance and I lead the executive master’s programme in Cybersecurity.’
Jeroen: ‘I am an associate professor of Public Safety and Crisis Management at the Institute of Security & Global Affairs (FGGA). I am also the Director of Education, responsible for both our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.’
'It is such a beautiful and creative way to connect across our academic community.’
How did you get involved with the Leiden Canal Concert?
Tommy: ‘To be honest, I had never heard of it before. When I was invited to participate, I looked up some recordings from previous years. It looks fantastic – a stage on the water, the atmosphere of Leiden, and music bringing people together.’
Jeroen: ‘It was new to me as well, but it looked so enjoyable with the stage on the canals, the boats and the lively city centre. I was especially excited about playing in a project orchestra with students and colleagues. It is such a beautiful and creative way to connect across our academic community. Making music together in an orchestra is such a different form of collaboration, where usual roles fade away. That is what makes it such a unique experience.’
From percussion to trumpet – what does music mean to you?
Tommy: ‘I’ve been playing percussion for 25 years. What I love about music is how it takes you places and connects you with different people. From local wind bands to brass bands and symphony orchestras – making music together is always a joy. A highlight? That’s hard to say, but performing in Lithuania with a British brass band was certainly special.’
Jeroen: ‘It is truly an outlet for me. I’ve played in a drum band, a brass band, street band, and also in big bands and chamber orchestras. I recently concluded 12 years of service in a professional military ensemble, the Fanfare of the Netherlands National Reserve Corps. In that role, you are not only a musician but also an Army reservist. That combination really suited both my musical and academic interests, and I learned an enormous amount from it. I experienced many musical highlights with that ensemble – from performing on Dam Square at the inauguration of King Willem-Alexander to King’s Day celebrations at the Dutch Embassy in Paris, and from the annual Prinsjesdag ceremony to international D-Day commemorations on the beaches of Normandy.
You really share something extraordinary with your fellow musicians and often find yourself in the front row of history. These experiences have been formative for how I see the world. But I also deeply enjoy seeing others make music. These days, I am often on the sidelines at my daughters’ performances – moments that fill me with pride and joy. They remind me of when I was in their place, and how powerful it is to pass on the joy, relaxation and value of making music together.’
'For me, that is the ultimate power of music – connection and wonder.'
Which piece from the concert speaks to you the most?
Tommy: ‘Without a doubt, Baba Yetu. It’s a beautiful symphonic piece with lyrics in Swahili. I first discovered it through the computer game Civilization IV and have been a fan of composer Christopher Tin ever since. The energy of the piece is incredible – it really brings something special.’
Jeroen: ‘There are several exciting pieces in the programme – it is a wonderfully varied setlist with something for everyone. But Baba Yetu is also at the top of my list. The interplay between the orchestra, vocals and rhythm is magical. It transports you to another world. For me, that is the ultimate power of music – connection and wonder.’
'The programme is so diverse, there is something for everyone to enjoy.'
Why should everyone experience this concert?
Tommy: ‘The programme is so diverse, there is something for everyone to enjoy. And the setting along the Rapenburg is simply stunning. I expect the atmosphere to be unforgettable.’
Jeroen: ‘Exactly. I think staff and students should absolutely come and listen, to celebrate 450 years of Leiden University with us. We are all Leiden University. This concert is an expression of our pride in our shared history and our future together.’
Anniversary activity: Canal concert
Join us for the Leiden Canal Concert on Sunday 6 July. Concert starts at 19.30, location: Rapenburg, near Nonnenbrug. Let’s celebrate 450 years of Leiden University together
Anniversary activity: Canal concert