Henriëtte Pieperiet

Henriette Pieperiet–Van Bon turned 91 on 11 February this year. She began her musical career as the organist of the church organs on the island. “Henriette the vedette” is known as the musical soul of Schiermonnikoog. A national career never came to pass. Homesickness kept her on the “Lytje Pole,” where for more than 70 years she has delighted the island with 1,001 songs and cabaret pieces, all of which she knows by heart. At nearly every wedding, festive opening, or funeral, she plays and sings, ranging from Bach to Drs. P.

Henriette Pieperiet is one of the few remaining composers who write in the beautiful island language, which is at risk of disappearing. She has always been deeply engaged with this language, writing lyrics for the Island Evenings and for the Dorpsbode. Her musical inspirations include Ramses Shaffy, Marlene Dietrich, and Drs. P. Her songs often deal with homesickness and the war. Together with her partner David de Boer, she led the successful island revue “Op de Bonnefooi” for many years.

Since time immemorial, she also provided the musical accompaniment for Kallemooi, from which she took her leave this year.

In 2001, Henriette Pieperiet, together with Johannes Kooistra, was awarded a royal honour at the town hall of Schiermonnikoog. The entire ceremony was extensively filmed by Dick Kool.

With thanks to Lina Kool-Aikema, who also did the sound for this film.