As newcomers to the Trina Orchestra, here are our first impressions: a festive, relaxed, almost family-like atmosphere, because music brings us together and unites us. The musicians are very welcoming and open; the pieces we’re working on are very diverse and we really enjoy them. And what can we say about Tauves? A beautiful natural setting, peaceful and calm… the perfect place to spend a great week full of music and lasting memories.

My first day at the Trina Orchestra was quite emotional, because after a short wait for the foreign musicians, the cultural exchange was immediately felt. Since most of the participants are around the same age, connections were formed almost instantly.

The only small regret is that we didn’t play any music on the first evening.

Tonight, on this second day of the program, I already feel that this European musical week will be one of the most exciting experiences of my life.

Day 3

Second day! We got a little wet — partly our fault, since we didn’t play very well! But we still have a few days to work on it, and the pieces will be ready, no need to worry!

More journalists arrived to ask us questions, along with members of the local council who came to listen. They all left satisfied.

After the truffade, the first regional specialty, today we enjoyed aligot. Yesterday, the French team organized an amazing evening — we all had a great time! Tonight, it’s the Germans’ turn to make us dream!

Day 4

A day that began under a rainy sky — the percussion section was interrupted early in the morning by the unexpected visit of a feline. However, this visit did not disturb our percussionist friends, who continued to rehearse with joy and good spirits. The sun made a brief appearance in the middle of the afternoon before giving way once again to the damp skies of the morning. The day ended with Hungarian festivities, following those hosted by the French and then the Germans.

Day 5

Yesterday’s Hungarian evening, filled with various games, gave us the chance to taste one of their traditional dishes: Paprikáskrumpli.

Today was the last day of rehearsals in Tauves. The pieces are starting to take shape, and the program is almost finalized. David Champclos, who composed a piece especially for the Trina Orchestra, came to visit us to make sure we had done our work properly.

Unfortunately, after this exhausting day, we still had to pack up all the equipment and tidy the rooms.

We’re now looking forward to the final evening at the Chati-Chato d’Auvergne, before showing our guests a bit more of our region.

Day 6

After a morning aubade under the sun, the musicians headed to Lake Pavin, where the sun was no longer shining. However, the lake’s beauty and mysterious atmosphere awakened everyone’s curiosity. We then made our way to Besse-en-Chandesse, where everyone was free to explore the town at their own pace. Next stop: Super-Besse, where a delicious truffade was waiting for us. After a nap on the bus, we visited the Michelin Adventure, then returned to Cébazat for the official launch of the 20th anniversary of the town twinning.

Concert Day

After spending their first evening with their host families, the musicians gathered on Saturday morning at the Sémaphore for their final day of rehearsal. On the schedule: 2.5 hours of tutti rehearsal, followed (after the lunch break ) by a 2-hour dress rehearsal. The concert took place as planned at 7:00 p.m., and once again, the TriNa Orchestra managed to charm its audience. The evening was a great success, both with the audience present at the Sémaphore and with the “virtual audience” who followed the concert live on the website.

After the performance, the musicians and members of the town twinning association gathered for a hearty meal. The musicians then kept the night alive with a lively jam session.

Day 7 and 8

After a night that lasted until 5:30 a.m. for some, the entire Trina group gathered on Sunday morning for the official ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of the town twinning, held later that morning. The ceremony featured several speeches by the mayors and the presidents of the twinning committees, and was highlighted by the Trina Orchestra’s performance of the French, German, and European anthems.

Tensions had eased, the pressure was off after the success of the previous night’s concert, and fatigue had finally caught up with most of the musicians. After the ceremony and the hearty meal that followed, the orchestra watched the video of the concert, filmed the night before by our friends Nicolas and Dominique, in the Sémaph’ hall.

Bad weather prevented the musicians from doing other outdoor activities, and it was after a tiring but wonderful group photo session that the orchestra came together for one final meal. It was a much calmer evening than the previous ones, filled with both the fatigue of the musicians and the anticipation of the goodbyes to come the next day.

Monday morning, 8 a.m. In a cold that could turn someone into a seal-shaped icicle, the musicians gathered one last time. Handshakes, hugs, and lots of “See you next year!” Meanwhile, off to the side, Josselin was asleep against the window of his car door.

After this second year, which further strengthened the bonds between the musicians, one thing is clear : they can’t wait to meet again in Hungary, all together, for a third unforgettable week.

See you next year!