folk holidays

THE CONTINUATION OF A DREAM COME TRUE IS GAINING A LOT OF STRENGTH

The Art School is good, but better is a talent like thunder, but don't worry, no one will try you out of it. That sounds like a challenge, but the name of the ensemble might be a deterrent. It's a bit too formal, expecting the conductor to come in, wave the baton and the over-drilled musicians to start like clockwork. Or, and this is what was initially expected, we'll be watching the admittedly enthusiastic but amateurish playing for the pleasure of parents with cell phones in hand, happy that their kids are now on the stage where the big stars used to perform. No, none of that, though a bit of everything, as we know all too well. There will be a few days of rehearsals, you can't avoid that, but it's important with whom, and therein lies the secret of the wonderfully spirited orchestra that surprised so many last year. German fiddlers Vivien Zeller and Ursula Suchanek and local mandolinist Martin Krajíček will again be the "conductors" and fellow players. And this time the Orchestra will also include the amazing Scottish Firelight Trio!

With the conviction that it doesn't matter how many notes fall under the table and how many people they dazzle, because "Music is life. Music is community. Music is celebration."

Photos in the list (Vivien Zeller & Ursula Suchanek): Torsten Stapel
Photo in profile (Orchestra of Folk Holidays 2022):  Kamila Berndorff