Maurice André, Vicente Campos and Nicolas André with the students

André in concert

André and Lindberg

Lindberg in concert

From July 17 to 21, the “XXVI International Week of Chamber Music” was held in Monserrat, Valencia, (Spain). The featured instruments were the trumpet and trombone, with Maurice André as trumpet teacher, assisted by Nicolas André and Vicente Campos. The trombone teachers were Jesus Juan Oriola and Salvador Tarrassó. On 21st July trombone virtuoso Christian Lindberg presented a masterclass and on 22nd July there was a final concert by the teachers.

Every morning, the students warmed up together with Maurice André, using the routine he uses every day. He also addressed various technical problems with all the students. After lunch, the students played, accompanied on piano, concertos for Maurice André, who gave his great advice to everyone. He covered all aspects of playing the trumpet during these classes: technical advice, musical expression, musical style and his wonderful philosophy of life! In the evening all students could attend sessions on a number of different subjects: 3D Sound & Effects; Musical Tuning Systems; a documentary on Monserrat Caballé’s life, and more.

After this wonderful experience, the course concluded with a concert on the Saturday, featuring Maurice André, Vicente Campos, Nicolás André and Christian Lindberg as soloists with the Deutsche Kammerorchester conducted by Rista Savic. The concert included the following solo works:

• Concerto for 2 Trumpets by H.G. Stölzel, with Vicente Campos and Nicolás André
• Concerto in E-flat Major by J.N. Hummel with Maurice André
• Concerto for Trombone by J.G. Albrechtsberger with Christian Lindberg

The concert was incredible. The orchestra was wonderful, and all soloists showed unbelievable technical and musical skills. Maurice André’s version of the Hummel was especially emotional, not only for his beautiful playing... No-one would believe that an old man walking with crutches towards the stage could have the vigour and strength to play so well.

Watching and hearing Maurice André playing live in concert was inspiring for all of us who had been admirers of his art for years … it was a dream come true. This week will stay for long in the memories of all who attended the course.