Ever wondered what my job is? Or whether my life is about travelling, getting to know the most beautiful countries and people in the world? Or whether I spend all day honing my writing and studying social media? No, I work part time for an international NPO, let me share this month’s highlight of my job with you:
My employer celebrates its 110th jubilee and within this framework the national branch in Switzerland organises several concerts with different orchestras in Switzerland. In May SheshBesh was invited for a Swiss tour.
SheshBesh is an ensemble that brings together musicians from the IPO and the Arab Christian and Muslim communities of northern Israel. The group uses a mixture of instruments (flute, ney, violin, viola, eastern violin, oud, double bass, and assorted percussion), and thus fuses elements from both Western and Arab music.
Listen to it here with a theme from Aida or here with Shibolet Bassadeh. But to experience those gifted musicians and their music live is another dimension altogether.
A boat ride on the river Rhine
I joined some members of SheshBesh for a lunch boat ride on the river Rhine, taking us through three countries in 30 seconds, something we who live in Basel take for granted but an experience which leaves newcomers wide eyed and open mouthed.
(I go food shopping or eating out across the border in Germany, I enjoy the rare visit to the Marché du canal couvert in Mulhouse, I buy my meat from local farmers in Switzerland)
The afternoon: a time for relaxation for some and a busy time for me, getting last minute things done and organised for tonight’s concert in the Hilton Hotel.
SheshBesh in rehearsal
Tonight’s programme offered a wide range of music from Israel folksong over classical music to their very own compositions. You can read all the details here:
SheshBesh Flyer
SheshBesh in concert
An enthusiastic and enraptured audience cheered the orchestra and cajoled several encores from them.
A lovely apero riche from Holbeinhof was offered by KKL Schweiz after the concert.
Food is always on my mind!
It was a beautiful day and evening: it was an honour and pleasure to get to know you, Yossi, Bishara, Sami, Saida, Ramsis, Alfred and Peter, and I look forward to seeing you again in concert or in Israel. People like you make a change and make things happen on a different level!
These are the moments when I am happy, feel fulfilled and grateful to have such a wonderful job. What are your experiences?
Links:
Across the border
Freiburg im Breisgau Tourist Information
Holbeinhof Basel: Catering