De Doelen unveils monumental artwork in honor of composer Willem Pijper

On Friday 4 April, de Doelen and publisher De Arbeiderspers will present a double tribute to Willem Pijper (1894-1947): the unveiling of the statue Hommage aan Willem Pijper by Stephan Balkenhol and the publication of the biography Een lied dat niet sterven by music historian Arthur van Dijk.  

The monumental statue is a new addition to de Doelen's growing art collection, which in recent years has also included work by female artists. The sculpture was created thanks to a donation from Droom en Daad and was specially made by the renowned German artist Stephan Balkenhol. Balkenhol is known for his figurative style in which the statue and pedestal form a single entity. He previously made statues of cultural figures such as Rembrandt and Richard Wagner. In May 2023, he visited Rotterdam, where he was introduced to Pijper's music and the Doelen building. 

With Hommage to Willem Pijper, de Doelen pays tribute to a composer who put Rotterdam on the international musical map. Pijper was not only an influential innovator, but also the first director of the Rotterdam Conservatory. His work survived the bombing of 1940, and his legacy lives on. 

The festive evening consists of a musical presentation of the biography by, among others, author Arthur van Dijk, Peter Nijssen (De Arbeiderspers), composer Anne-Maartje Lemereis and pianist Ralph van Raat. The unveiling of the artwork will take place afterwards in the foyer of de Doelen. 

Art Walks 

Visitors who want to discover more can participate in de Doelen Art Walks. Accompanied by a guide, you will walk along the special collection of de Doelen and hear the stories behind the works of art, with a route through the iconic building, in front of and behind the scenes.