Musicians of sinfonia ViVA
Deirdre Bencsik
Principal Cello
On what makes sinfonia ViVA special...
I've been a member of sinfonia ViVA for more than twenty years and although there have been some changes of personnel in the administration and management, the core nucleus of musicians has remained unusually constant. Given that we are a non-contracted Orchestra and therefore consist only of freelance musicians, this in itself partly explains why we have something special. The musicians who return again and again over the years to play with this Orchestra choose to do so, often making great efforts to juggle work and manage their personal lives around the Orchestra's schedule. During its evolution, sinfonia ViVA has nurtured the skills, devotion and enthusiasm of its players so that coming to work together is a real pleasure and is something to look forward to.
Other Orchestras with whom I have worked have also given me much musical satisfaction, yet sinfonia ViVA differs from these because it brings more than just a pool of excellent instrumentalists. As a result, sinfonia ViVA performances are often electric as we as friends enjoy making music together to the highest level. We are also constantly searching for new and exciting repertoire, delivering varied and ambitious programmes and presenting these in innovative and unique ways to audiences of all ages. We are not afraid of the challenges of performing live concerts in an era of readily available recorded music and financial hardship: it is our drive. This is how we keep growing and continue to develop and how the commitment of this Orchestra has enabled it not merely to survive, but to mature.
On personal fulfillment through involvement with ViVA outreach and education projects...
sinfonia ViVA creates such original education and outreach projects that all are worthy of being called the 'best'. For me personally, though, I have found the work with disadvantaged or disabled children the most fulfilling. I applaud the fact that workshop leaders and musicians on these projects involve the participants fully and that it is the children's own ideas that form the foundations of creative compositions. It is also really moving to be able to introduce music making to groups and see the children's initiative grow in this environment right before you. In addition to this, the social and interactive skills that such workshops and concerts provide are as equally rewarding as the enormous fun that all participants benefit. It is nothing short of magical to encourage a child to contribute in his or her own small way and witness their self-esteem blossom as a result.
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