Joyce Kuipers
cello
Instrument: cello, tutti
With Flanders Symphony Orchestra since: 2016
Why did you choose your instrument?
I come from a musical family so in my childhood there was a lot of music playing at home. At the age of four I started learning the violin, but I only did this for a year or so because it did not suit me. My father is a clarinet teacher and it was his idea to go and listen to public exams at the music school when I had to choose an instrument after a year of solfège. Cello jumped out immediately! I think the choice of your instrument is sometimes coincidental, but also has a lot to do with your character and the colours and tones that attract you.
Who is your favourite composer and why?
Johann Sebastian Bach: he created such wonderful music like his passions, cantatas and our cello bible the Six Cello Suites. It is so well put together and yet at the same time his oeuvre has a very great naturalness and humanness.
What is your fondest memory of Flanders Symphony Orchestra?
I think the tours (to England, Estonia...) that we do are the best moments. They are tiring days because of the travelling, but being together, eating and making music, strengthens the bond between the musicians.
What is your most memorable concert with Flanders Symphony Orchestra?
We have been guests at the Amsterdam Concertgebouw a few times. Each time, this was really enjoyable.
