Letters from Martinů to Albert Prins gifted to BMI

Bohuslav Martinů Institute received the original letters by Bohuslav and Charlotte Martinů to Albert and Cora Prins! Albert Prins was a long-time president of Haag’s men choir Die Haghe Sanghers. Martinů composed the Mount od Three Lights, H 349, to the choir. They also regularly performed the cantata The Prophecy of Isaiah, H 383, and Field Mass, H 279. Between 1951 and 1953, the choir performer the Mass at least 30 times! Worthy of mentioning is the performance with Rafael Kubelík in 1956.

Martinů was named honorary member of the choir and was a long-time friend of the Prins couple. Charlotte maintained the friendship even after her husband’s death.

The correspondence was in archive of René Verhoeff, the choirmaster of Die Haghe Sanghers that suddenly passed away this May. The widow Dora Verhoeff send the letters, photos and concert programs as a gift to the B. Martinů Institute. We warmly thank her!