Symphony for All

Zaandam, March 2006

Performing a great work for symphony orchestra is an almost supernatural experience, which, in these days, is only reserved for professionals. The audience is only allowed to listen humbly and with deference; music of this scope is technically out of range for amateurs. However, in this project everybody, regardless of their level of performance, will be able to participate in a high-quality musical composition.

In one single day, individual elements of the symphony (by Twaalfhoven, 2004) were rehearsed in small groups under the supervision of professional orchestra members and teachers at Fluxus. In the evening the whole work fell into place, as in a puzzle, and a world of sound filled the entire space. Impromptu, even chaotic pieces performed by the amateurs and students mixed with the more proficient music of the professionals.

By participating in the Symphony for everyone, a large group of people were able to experience in a short time what it takes to create a full-fledged orchestral work on a professional level: a unique experience for everyone who is involved in making music.
The piece is, however, not primarily intended for educational purposes. It is an autonomous, actual work in which the choice was made from an aesthetic point of view to incorporate a high-quality performance level with the spontaneous participation of amateurs, children and members of the audience. In this way, making music becomes a shared activity and a collective experience is born; an adventure.