Madness reigns in Enschede concert Dutch Student Orchestra

The concept of NSO is quite unique in the Netherlands, Feil explains: 'It’s a project-based endeavour. In a relatively short period of time, we prepare a symphonic concert around a theme. We then go on a tour of about 15 performances in less than a month, in major concert halls throughout the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. We lock ourselves away in a rehearsal room for about ten days, and rehearse from ten in the morning to ten in the evening. In the meantime, renowned musicians come in to give us workshops and clinics. The learning curve is incredibly steep.'

Occasional orchestra

Becoming a member of the student orchestra is as easy as it sounds. Firstly, students must audition to be admitted at all. 'We strive for quality musicianship' Feil confirms. 'The conductor decides who is suitable for the selected pieces. This creates a fully-fledged 'occasional orchestra' of about ninety musicians.'

Unforgettable experience

It isn’t for everyone, then. 'Indeed, you have to make it through the audition first,' Feil describes. 'The participation fee for one concert series is 450 euros, which covers food, drinks, and transport.' Studies and student jobs will have to be put on hold, he agrees. 'But what will you remember in twenty years? The short month of study delay, or the unforgettable concert series in the largest concert halls in the Netherlands, and the connections it gives you? It filters itself out immediately. Only those who really want to go for it, remain. The result is a unique musical product at the highest level.'

‘Only those who really want to go for it, remain. The result is a unique musical product at the highest level'

Logistical challenge

Logistically, it is also quite a challenge to get the ninety musicians to 13 different concert locations in 15 days. 'We have arranged a group accommodation for the rehearsal days. During the tour, we have to rely on the hospitality of retirees, former members, and other volunteers who live around the concert location. Otherwise, it simply would not be feasible financially.' 

Temporary management

For each concert series, a temporary conductor, professional soloist, and commissioned composer work together on a unique programme. The conductor directs the composition of the programme and the actual performance of the pieces. The soloist plays a starring role, and the commissioned composer comes up with a new piece around the chosen theme. This time they are conductor Chloe Rooke, violinist Dana Zemtsov, and composer Karmit Fadael respectively.

Madness

The current theme is 'Madness', inspired by the idea that love can sometimes drive you crazy, Feil describes. And that it can lead to very special forms of expression. In addition to a viola concerto by William Walton for Zemtsov and the piece Ludus by Fadael, the main theme returns in Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique. In it, the protagonist goes mad with love for an actress, who is unattainable for him. 'In addition, you could call it madness how much is being cut back on cultural initiatives in this country, so it is extra ‘mad’ that this concept has been working for 73 years already.'

Feil's favourite piece is Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique. Especially part 3. 'Of course because I have a great solo in it myself.' And after the concert series? 'Then the whole circus starts all over again.'