PortraitThe MusiciansMatthias Beltinger, Double Bass

Matthias Beltinger, Double Bass

What brought you to music, and why do you play your instrument? My parents are both musicians, so it wasn't that unexpected. I enjoyed playing in an orchestra from the start; I made new friends and contacts who changed my life a great deal. At some point, the Bocholt music school orchestra made a three-week tour to the US. That was a very impressive experience, and from then on I was sure I would make music my career. How are you musically active in addition to the Deutsche Kammerphiharmonie Bremen? A group of orchestra members formed the Ensemble Lesmona, in which we present chamber music programs with double bass. I play freelance in other orchestras, like the Chamber Orchestra of Europe and the Freiburg Baroque Orchestra, where I can indulge in my passion for Baroque music on historical instruments! What do you do when you are not making music? I dance Argentine tango and go to Werder Bremen games.

Matthias Beltinger, double bass (Photo: Julia Baier)

What is special about this orchestra? The democratic structure makes it possible to work independently and responsibly; it goes far beyond mere playing and includes all matters that concern such an orchestra. This opportunity to assume responsibility gives me great satisfaction in my work. The feeling that we are all in the same boat is obviously conveyed to our public as well. Because of the low turnover, the orchestra has been able to develop a very individual style of playing and a distinctive sound over a long period of time. Which of the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen's CDs do you like best, and why? I particularly like the recording of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony under Paavo Järvi, which was released in 2009. The fourth movement, which took me the longest time to appreciate, is especially effective because of its frenzy and diversity. This recording is literally bursting with energy! What has changed for you as a result of the move to the (new) space in the Bremen East Comprehensive School (GSO)? The GSO is a special school with a very committed administration and teaching staff and open, friendly students. The physical proximity of our rehearsal hall to the school encourages close contact with the students and teachers of the GSO. There is hardly a rehearsal at which a school class does not participate. As a result of collaborative projects like the Melody of Life, Faust 2, and Africa Is Coming (May 2010), strong connections are established between two very different worlds. These are new experiences that I would not want to miss in my life! Through the Faust 2 project, we have come to know Tenever, which has a problem reputation as a "socially underprivileged" area of Bremen, in an entirely new way. There is a spirit of optimism; the residents are deeply committed to actively shaping their lives. There is curiosity, tremendous friendliness, and helpfulness. The performances of Faust 2 amid Tenever's high-rises combined many different aspects of life and was an unforgettable experience for everyone involved!

This page was last changed on 27-05-2010, 1::08 PM