Hedy Schäperkötter

"®chestra is as a mirror to this multicultural society."

Photography Frans van Geffen & Wim Reijnen • Photomontage Wim Reijnen

Hedy Schäperkötter (management):

"Order pizzas, fold programmes, speak to fans, make sure the band leaves in time, take care they don't get stuck too long, drag clothing bags, sell cd’s, give information, send e-mails, keep up with correspondence, stamp envelopes, keep the members of the band up to the mark, promote cd’s, keep in touch with numerous people, make sure the violinist doesn't look over to bring along his violin, try to reach theatrical agents who just are in a meeting, or just left for lunch, or just left the building, or just are answering another call.

Why I made this choise and I even gave up or let go jobs for it? Because to my opinion ®chestra and that which the band represents is as a mirror to this multicultural society.

®chestra attempts to emphasize the similarities between various cultures in stead of their differences. I can feel the animation of this group and all the same I have the remoteness which is needed to sell this music act. It's my goal to give ®chestra a full position within the Dutch theatrical scenery, as a group like this comes out best at the theatrical stage.

In order to achieve this goal I have to move theatrical agents to incorporate something novel and therefore unfamiliar in their programme, which proves not to be that simple. Even though Yo-Yo Ma considered ®chestra to be qualified enough to invite them at his Silk Road Festival and let them give a performance at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam!"