Being an 'Orchester Musiker'
I met Caroline Dieluweit on a sunny August day 2014, on a train station. As she walked inside the train, she immediately smiled at me, as if we've met before. She knew I was carrying either a violin or a viola (being a musician herself) and asked me about it. I was startled by her imediate sympathy and I tried to answer her questions as the train started moving. At some point she told me about 'Orchestermusiker', a page she had dedicated to orchestra players: she wanted people to know more about what we do and asked me for an interview. What you are about to read is the result of an informal conversation between both of us. Dear Caroline, thank you for this opportunity and for your kindness.
'Rossio Station in Lisbon is perhaps the most beautiful train station in the world. This is where we meet Clara Gomes who is carrying her violin case with the responsibility and routine of a professional. She is in a hurry to buy a ticket and get onto her train.'
Clara, you are not on holidays in the beginning of August? Are you going to a rehearsal?
As a freelance musician I tend to work at any time, all year long. Todays rehearsal will be to prepare a soundtrack for an American short film with a couple of friends. I'm looking forward to it, as I enjoy soundtracks so much.
What are the names of some orchestras and ensembles you work with?
I've got my own chamber music groups, like a classic trio (Piano, Soprano and Violin) and a Duo (Cello and Violin). This year I also founded a group called Águas de Bacalhau with two friends (funny name but a very typical Portuguese expression), and we play Portuguese tradicional music, mainly Fado. I've realised how beautiful and rich Portuguese tradicional music is, and I fell in love with it, I want to learn so much more. Regarding orchestra work, I've been concert master of the Lisbon Film Orchestra during this year and also Orquestra do Teatro da Malaposta, which unfortunatly ended this year. I've also played with Orquestra Sinfonietta de Lisboa.
You are incredibly active and busy! ( "Bacalhau" means codfish, "Kabeljau".) Where and when will we be able to hear you next time?
I don't know for sure, as I'm still planning next year. I'm looking forward to a few days rest and spending time with family and friends.
You have deserved that! - Did you study music in Lisbon? Who was your teacher?
Yes. I started learning the violin with a very dear teacher of mine, Professor Rui Guerreiro. I continued studying with Professor Gareguine Aroutiounian who very sadly passed away this year. He taught me during my bachelor and Masters Degree. I miss him dearly.
Do you teach yourself?
Yes, I do. In a few music schools and I also teach privately.
What about Portuguese composers such as Francisco de Lacerda, Lopes-Graça or da Motta? Do you often play their music? Should they be better known in other countries?
I don't often play their music but I would like to, especially Lopes-Graça, I'm very fond of some of his chamber music. I wouldn't know how often they're played abroad... but every now and then I know that a few orchestras/ensembles play it here in Portugal.
In Germany we unfortunately hear these composers quite rarely.-You seem to enjoy all facets of your work very much! What do you like best about being a musician?
Playing with friends, I think that's when I most happy.
Can we find Águas de Bacalhau on You Tube? And what is the name of the short film you have been rehearsing for?
You can find us on www.facebook.com/aguasdebacalhau (we're preparing our website, it should be out soon). We were also so very lucky to have been recorded by 'A Música Portuguesa a gostar dela própria' and they made this video: http://vimeo.com/90025791, recorded in Mouraria, were I live. The short film's called 'Our Father', you can also find it on Facebook. The music was composed by André Barros, he's a wonderful composer.
Clara, thank you very very much for spending some time with us on this site. It has been a great pleasure to talk to you and hear about your professional activities. Wish you much joy and success with your violin, and let us hear from you!
Thank you, it's been great! All the best.
If you would like to read more, this is Caroline's page:
https://www.facebook.com/Orchestermusiker