Gert-Jan Schoup

Instrument: trombone, first soloist
With Flanders Symphony Orchestra since: 2023

Why did you choose your instrument?

Music was instilled in me from the very beginning. As a child, I often went along to the concerts of my father, who is mainly active in the Dixieland world. His music had a great impact on me: I played the CD he had once recorded endlessly. It even became a ritual to turn on that CD before going to bed. To this day, I can sing along to every song!

My father plays the trombone. So it was almost inevitable that I wanted to play the same instrument. Constantly seeing and hearing his trombone made the choice logical and inevitable. And now, years later, I have never regretted it for a moment. I would never want to choose another instrument - the trombone feels like a piece of who I am.

What is your fondest memory of Flanders Symphony Orchestra?

Even though my career here is not that extensive yet, one moment will always stay with me: when I was officially told that I could be part of this wonderful orchestra. I received that news on the last day of our UK tour, an unforgettable journey in which I was able to gain so many wonderful experiences and meet wonderful colleagues. It felt like a dream come true. A validation of all my hard work and passion for music. 

That the news came exactly on that day made it extra special: together with the wind section, we now had twice as much reason to celebrate. It became a festive conclusion to the tour during which we played the requiem (which is also not so evident for solo trombone) and which thus, both personally and professionally, enriched me tremendously. The sense of connection, the shared passion for music and the warmth of the orchestra ensured that this moment will remain in my heart for a long time to come.

When is a concert considered successful for you?

A concert feels successful when I have been able to contribute my share to the bigger picture. The trombone is a functional instrument and it is precisely this role that suits me enormously. It is my job to contribute to the overall concept, to complete the musical puzzle and ensure that others within the concert are given the space to shine. If I have been able to do that to my own standards, with precision and musical intention, then the picture is complete for me. It gives a great feeling to know that my playing is an important link and that, together with my colleagues, I have put down something beautiful that the audience can really enjoy.