Here we are. The best of Trina Orchestra. One week of sharing music, happiness and laughs. But before the homecoming, the way for Hungarian and French is long, very long… Departure at 6 a.m. for some, and then bus and train transports musicians throughout Europe to Germany. Breaks are necessary, both for musicians and for our tireless drivers, and are often marked by unexpected surprises: Never dance in a fast-food for any reason? Trinasians did it. Excitement is high but laughs are slowly replaced by deep sighs as the miles go by. Finally, French then Hungarians are welcomed by an ovation in Weikersheim. Trina is back to its usual fervour and the party can begin. In the famous cellar, the sound of glasses being clinked mixes with the clash of table football and billiards. The room empties quickly because the serious day starts tomorrow. ( Best is coming! )

Let the music start! After a visit to the castle and its awesome garden, Trinasians play their first notes, all under the sharp eye of the cameras, ready to pounce at the slightest moment to get a nice shot. The sun is overwhelming but musicians do their best. The afternoon was marked by the first general rehearsal in the Philharmonie. Despite a year without playing together, the orchestral sound quickly appears and the bars follow one another. The evening was prepared by the Germans, who had put on their finest traditional costumes to entertain the crowd. Unfortunately, the storm came and spoiled the party. Did it really? No, because Trinasians always find a way to have fun together: let’s sing in the rain! It was in wet clothes that our musicians carried on their evening with the sound of the German polka…

Second day, and tired is clearly presents. But energy is still here, and musicians especially need it when they have to play all together. Because an orchestra of more than 100 hundred people requires a lot of concentration! It’s not an easy task for the conductor who must be heard in this hubbub of strings, brass and winds…Trina is also a way for young people to have a first experience as a music teacher! Moreover, you will probably see new heads in front of the orchestra. But now it’s time to relax and have fun, and French people know how to party. It was fire in the cellar, and we still don’t know when the night ended…

After the heat, it was the turn of the rain to follow Trina’s week. But nothing can stop the great mood of the musicians! Concert is coming up fast, and there are still a few details to work out. Repeat and repeat again, until reach perfection: that’s the Trinasians daily routine. After 13 years of existence, Trina has considerably broadened her musical range. From classical music played by string orchestra to jazz made by the big-band formation, not forgetting the original piece specifically created for the wind orchestra, the musicians never get bored! It’s the same during parties, in which Hungarian redouble their imagination to come up with… floury games! Setting up the details for the D-day 

Last day of rehearsal; last day before the break. Last day to fine-tuning details and reach the summits of the music. And there’s no better way to do it than with tuttis. « It’s by spending time together and listening to each other that you’ll make the greatest progress!” said the chief. It seems to be true, because Trinasians handle the concert with calmness. But to be really ready, they need a last party. A party where they can dance together all night…

Now is time to relax and do some things other than music! Once luggages packed and breakfast took for the last time at the musical academy, Trinasians moved to Carmen Würth Forum, a museum dedicated to contemporary art, for a special visit. Pirates of the Caribbean’s melody, played by the brass ensemble, has echoed through the museum’s corridors. After this cultural tour, it’s time to chill on the shores of the lake. Some musicians had the weird but original idea to organize a belly flop contest! Once the dip is done, Trinasians, tired but joyful, have separated to join their host families. But the solitude moment has been short: a new party has been organized, somewhere in Gerstetten…

It’s concert day! The final day of playing together for the best-off of Trina Orchestra. If for musicians, concert is synonym with a reward after all the work done, for technicians, it’s another business. Everything needs to be done: setting up the concert hall, adjusting the light, preparing the recording… They made everything to make musicians comfortable for the event. The hall is packed, lights switch off and music can begin. Rumours say that it was the best concert ever made by Trina… This year, all the benefits went to a charity which helps immigrants to their work integration!

A sleep-in was clearly necessary after this intensive week. So it’s late in the morning that trinasians met up for an unusual activity: the visit of a cave. They walked at 30 meters underground between the stalagmites, and tested the acoustics by singing along to some typical Trina songs. Then, go back to the surface for a barbecue at a ski station with the host families. A last moment to share, laugh, and of course play Polka music! Everyone enjoyed this last moment altogether before the end of this episode…

Here we are. The end of the Trina Orchestra, season three. Now it’s time to say goodbye and go back home. It’s not an easy task and tears have flowed. French and Hungarians left Gerstetten for a long day of bus and train. The trip went in silence, as everyone was sleeping. They were probably dreaming of the week they had just achieved. Memories will stay in the minds of Trinasians for a long time. Chapter three has ended, now, it’s time to open the next one…