Inspiring Concerto in Memoriam

“It’s just fantastic that so many of you have come despite the inclement weather.” So began Leo Fijen – the well-known Dutch television personality – in his Word of Comfort during the annual Concerto in Memoriam held in the Westerveld memorial park, on 6 June. Every year, thousands of people (around 3,500 this time) attend the now traditional Concerto in Memoriam, which was organized for the first time in 1994. With this memorial concert, Westerveld Cemetery & Crematorium – part of 'the Facultatieve Group' – aims to provide everybody with the opportunity to commemorate a loved one. Entry to the concert is therefore free to all who wish to attend. In his moving Word of Comfort, much of what Leo Fijen had to say was based on his own experiences and on the copious personal conversations he has had when researching his books on grieving and comfort. In addition to the Word of Comfort, the programme included a poetry recital, The Last Post and the performance of various pieces of music by Westlands Male Voice Choir. As well as performing music by Handel and Verdi, they also treated us to contemporary songs, like The Rose, Climb ev’ry mountain and popular Dutch melodies. In 2011 the Concerto in Memoriam will be held on Sunday 5 June. For more information about Westerveld Cemetery & Crematorium click here. <