Standbeeld Cornelis Adrianus Swenne

Cor Swenne (1880–1953)
Cor Swenne was headmaster and conductor in Ouwerkerk. Music was his great passion. Born in Sprang, he grew up in a musical family and later became known as a dedicated teacher and musical leader.

Music at Heart
From a young age, Cor played the violin and baritone. In every village where he worked, he founded choirs or music associations. In 1918, he founded the music corps Nieuw Leven in Ouwerkerk, which grew into a leading ensemble on Schouwen-Duiveland. He also composed the Schouwen anthem, set to lyrics by notary Biermasz.

Loss and Remembrance
During the 1953 North Sea Flood, Cor Swenne died along with his wife and son. His musical legacy lives on. In 2018, exactly 65 years after the flood, he was honored with a permanent tribute in Ouwerkerk.

Statue
The bronze statue of Cor Swenne — created by artist Elies Hubers from Zierikzee — honors a man who brought music to the heart of the community. It was donated by the Renesse Foundation to the residents of Schouwen-Duiveland.

This statue was donated by the Renesse Foundation.