Since 1982, the beautiful Hernen castle in Gelderland has been the centre of the Bredius Foundation. The foundation was named after, and established by, the musicologist and theologian A.A. Bredius, who occupied the castle until his death in 1982. The centre then devoted itself to the study of Byzantine culture. Castle manager, coordinator and slavist Victoria van der Aalst organised courses in Greek, Church Slavonic, Russian, icon-painting, tours, concerts and lectures from then on. Every three years there was a leading international conference on Byzantine liturgical singing, the results of which were published in IvOC's Eastern Christian Studies series. The foundation also organised some scholarly symposia together with IvOC.
As the lease with the castle's owner, the Gelderse Kastelen foundation, expired on 31 December 2024, the centre had to be discontinued. The unique library established by Bredius over time had to be dismantled. Its assets were transferred to other institutions as much as possible. IvOC was allowed to take over the magnificent icon book collection.
On 8 December 2024, to conclude this era, there was a well-attended high-level concert followed by a reception, which the writer of this post attended. It evoked deep emotions in him since he witnessed up close both the flourish and demise of the centre. The foundation continues its activities in cooperation with the Catharijneconvent in Utrecht.
More info on A.A. Bredius and the Bredius Foundation's activities: www.brediusstichting.nl
Photo credit: Kasteel Hernen. © Wikimedia Commons: Michiel Verbeek