Maricelle Botha
After the five gentlemen of Harmonic Brass Munich’s visit to Bloemfontein in 2012, concert goers could not stop talking about the extraordinary and highly entertaining concert they were treated to. The Odeion School of Music could not let the chance go by to invite them to Bloemfontein on their next SA tour. These unbelievable musicians will again baffle concert goers with works from Puccini’s well known Nessun Dorma to Ravel’s Bolero and the Duet of the Flowers from the opera Lakmè by Delibes in the City of Roses this coming Saturday.
Bloemfontein Courant had the oppurtunity to talk to Hans Zellner, one of this German quintet’s members, shortly after they arrived in South Africa.
You performed in Bloemfontein in 2012 with great success. Why do you think local audiences enjoyed it so much?
It’s usually a type of synergy. We always communicate with audiences and grow with them. The time in Bloemfontein in 2012 was very nice. We received a very warm welcome and that obviously brought a great mood, felt by the audience. When they felt good, it also made us better. Bloemfontein 2012 is still on our mind.
What can audiences expect from your coming performance?
We will perform pieces that are real highlights in the music sphere. Some people in the audience might have special memories of places and situations, which they may recall when hearing the music. Famous music pieces by Bach and Handel, Ravel’s Bolero, West Side Story and other famous pieces will be included.
How did you decide on the programme?
The programme is a mirror of our own favourites. It’s like an excerpt of our most loved playlist.
What challenges do you have travelling with a group of 5 members?
The biggest challenge is to book a tuba on an extra seat in an aeroplane. We have been touring worldwide since 1997, and sometimes it is still difficult to get our tickets without hassles. Maybe you would like to know how we cope with five of us being together more than with our wives? Yes, we are married and three of us have children. They have been growing up with us being away a lot and are used to it. Our wives are also fine with not having us about as much as this is the case not only with musicians. A lot of other people have to be away from home for long periods to work. And we like each other, so it is fun to be on tour.
How long have you been playing together?
The Ensemble was founded in 1991. In each Chamber Group there have been changes in the first years. Since 1997 it’s our only profession, we quitted all other jobs. After this there have been some replacements for family reasons, but since 2008 we have been the same five members.
What do you like about travelling in South Africa?
There is a long list or reasons, too many to mention, but all of them good.
The landscape is great. During our tour in 2012 we did a lot of travelling by van to see the country. Food, especially wine, is a big part of touring South Africa. And of course, everything is easier and more relaxed than in Europe.
Is this your second time playing in Bloemfontein?
Yes, and we hope there will be many more.
How do audiences in South Africa compare to audiences in Europe?
South African audiences are more enthusiastic than those of Germany.
Where is your favourite place to perform in the world?
Hard question. There are so many places, it is always best to play to music lovers. Then it makes no difference if you are at Carnegie Hall or in a little school on the Western Cape, playing for the kids there. We did it on our last tour as a part of a rural engagement project of the Stellenbosch Conservatorium. It was an amazing experience for us.
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