A week ago, I visited a colleague (and a friend) of mine in Bechyne, in the Czech Republic. No, he is not living there, neither was it his camping-vacation. Being a musician (conductor), he organises for 18 years a kind of summer-music-school in a picturesque surrounding of this South Bohemian town.
What is remarkable, is that the vast majority of his "students" are non-professional musicians. People, who in their daily life are doctors, teachers, technical engineers, ... you name it. Even some music students add up to the mix. And once a year, they retreat for a few weeks to Bechyne and follow classes in chamber music, orchestra playing respectively choir singing, rehearsals and in the end give concerts, not only in Bechyne or surrounding, but after coming back, in the Netherlands as well. Not just one, but in all three different groups (A Vienna classics, Orchestra and chamber music from the romantic era and authentic 415-Hertz baroque).
It is remarkable, in a time, where we read the news that even a prominent Ton Koopman and his Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra will get absolutely no more subsidy from the Dutch Performing Arts Foundation (yes, not a single penny), that Maestro Horringa, is mobilising 3 groups for an intensive music experience (be aware, that participants pay for this happening from their own pocket). The local population of Bechyne is visiting these concerts, as there's hardly anything left, while the local hotel has additional guests in its restaurant. In all, it generally stimulates society in more than one ways.
And still to think that music and culture are unattractive burdens to society??? Apparently not. Mayors and other institutions, who would be able to actively contribute, could bear in mind, that their involvement could add up to their prestige, perhaps.
MS
PS - With thanks to my colleague Dirkjan Horringa and his superb project. La Pellegrina. More info you can find on this site.
What is remarkable, is that the vast majority of his "students" are non-professional musicians. People, who in their daily life are doctors, teachers, technical engineers, ... you name it. Even some music students add up to the mix. And once a year, they retreat for a few weeks to Bechyne and follow classes in chamber music, orchestra playing respectively choir singing, rehearsals and in the end give concerts, not only in Bechyne or surrounding, but after coming back, in the Netherlands as well. Not just one, but in all three different groups (A Vienna classics, Orchestra and chamber music from the romantic era and authentic 415-Hertz baroque).
It is remarkable, in a time, where we read the news that even a prominent Ton Koopman and his Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra will get absolutely no more subsidy from the Dutch Performing Arts Foundation (yes, not a single penny), that Maestro Horringa, is mobilising 3 groups for an intensive music experience (be aware, that participants pay for this happening from their own pocket). The local population of Bechyne is visiting these concerts, as there's hardly anything left, while the local hotel has additional guests in its restaurant. In all, it generally stimulates society in more than one ways.
And still to think that music and culture are unattractive burdens to society??? Apparently not. Mayors and other institutions, who would be able to actively contribute, could bear in mind, that their involvement could add up to their prestige, perhaps.
MS
PS - With thanks to my colleague Dirkjan Horringa and his superb project. La Pellegrina. More info you can find on this site.
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