Cornerstone No. 194, page 13
difficult, for example we didn’t play the Rite of Spring for a week and then
suddenly were playing it in concert one night. Therefore, we had to stay really
focused, and each one of us had to find time to practice outside all the travelling
and concerts.
Besides the musical experience, being on tour with the GMJO was a real human
experience, meeting with lots of different European nationalities and
discovering varied cultures (we were only two Swiss girls selected for GMJO
2018). It wasn’t always easy though as we were so many (130 in total). I found
that it could get quite overwhelming having so many people around me in this
sort of “bubble”.
Despite that, it’s exciting to witness how music can bring different nationalities
together. The energy we all had on concerts was so different from the energy
I’ve had in orchestras back home. The whole dynamic is so much stronger, and
that creates complete overwhelming emotions through the music while playing,
which makes this whole experience incredibly moving.
We were lucky to have receptions after each concert, which was a great way to
get closer to everyone and celebrate what had just happened musically. Links
between people grew stronger everyday and it’s so nice to now know many
musicians from all over Europe.
I would say that this experience has taught me a lot, musically of course, but
also about keeping it together and determination. It’s a lifetime experience that
I am so lucky to have had, and which I will remember for the rest of my life.
Vanessa de Luze