A Christmas concert in which anyone who has an instrument can participate. You could witness this on Saturday afternoon in Sint-Jan in Den Bosch. Music at the Nativity took place there for the third time. And then the occasional false note is no problem at all: “It’s not about the result, but about making music together.”
The concert is organized by the Den Bosch music association De Stads Pipers. In addition to the pipers, other companies also perform. The final piece is special: anyone who wants to and has an instrument can participate in this performance of five Christmas carols.
Play together
‘A small musical party’ is what Willem Gerritsen of the Stads Pipers calls it. And we can take the invitation to anyone who wants to come and play literally. “There is room for everyone in this inn,” he says. How does he ensure that everyone plays in time? “I assume that won’t really work, but we’ll do our best to make something great out of it!” Laughter rises from the crowded rehearsal room.
The group of musicians is diverse, but according to Gerritsen they share one thing: “These are all enthusiasts, it’s about the feeling of playing together.” And the connecting aspect is just as important as the end result. “It’s not about the result, but about making music together. And you can hear it, there is a very big difference between the beginning and the end. The musicians find each other while playing.”
‘Music connects’
These musicians sometimes come from far away. A woman from Nieuw Lekkerland (South Holland) was happy to make the trip. “I received a text from an acquaintance from primary school, she said: ‘Are you coming too?'” A video from an earlier edition persuaded her. She feels completely at home on Saturday afternoon in Sint-Jan. “It’s going very well, it happens naturally. Music connects.”
The audience also appreciates the musical afternoon. “I came to St. John’s especially for this, I am very proud,” says a woman. “It’s a great pleasure, there’s no other way to say it.” A man sitting a few benches away adds: “This is unique, I’m an amateur myself, I could have been here!”