From the tram to the Grittibänz

They come from China or Armenia, from France or Brazil. Some have already completed their studies in Switzerland, others only came here for their orchestral position. What did they notice back then? And what do they miss from their home country? We spoke to eight musicians from the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich about their experiences in Switzerland.

Geng Liang, bassoon / contrabassoon, China

"When I came to Switzerland eight years ago, it was quite a culture shock. I knew Europe from travelling, but had never lived here before, and everything seemed new to me - the way people think, the sense of order, the rhythm of everyday life. But I learnt to appreciate it very quickly. My goal is to be able to speak Swiss German at some point. And despite all the differences, I keep noticing similarities between Switzerland and China: In both cultures, people seek a balance, a middle way. I originally come from Xining, the capital of Qinghai province, which lies on the border with Tibet. I left home at the age of twelve to study music in Shanghai; I completed my bachelor's degree in Singapore and then my master's degree in Zurich. I miss my parents very much, and it's not easy for them either that I'm so far away - in my generation we're almost all only children. But they are proud that I can build my life in such a beautiful place."

-

Ewa Grzywna-Groblewska, Viola, Poland

"I settled in quickly in Switzerland, the orderliness suits me. But I'm still amazed at some things even after 16 years: for example, the fact that there are so many different dialects. Or that every canton has its own school system - it's much more standardised in Poland. There, however, it is also clear that you have to go to university to have good career prospects. There are many training paths here, which I think is good. The only thing that annoys me is the narrow roads. In Poland, there are separate cycle lanes everywhere, which is much safer."

-

Bill Thomas, bass trombone, USA

"I come from the west of Texas, where it's very flat, almost desert-like. The complete opposite of here! Orchestral life is also different: in the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, where I played before, you only had contact with your own instrument group. Here you talk to everyone, which is nice. Apart from that, I was amazed by the endless varieties of cheese in Switzerland and all the different types of bread, including the Grittibänz. Nevertheless, I miss the food I grew up with, the barbeque, the Tex-Mex cuisine. And even after 16 years, I still find it inconvenient that the shops aren't always open ..."

-

Vanessa Szigeti, Deputy Principal 2nd Violin, France

"When I came to Zurich from Paris, I was struck by two things in particular: Firstly, the public transport, which is so punctual, clean and safe - crazy! I always take the tram to the Tonhalle, which I much prefer to the overcrowded metro in my home city. The second surprise was the fact that you can swim in any lake or river in Switzerland. Well, people now also swim in the Seine. But the water here is completely different."

-

Syuzanna Verdanyan, 1st violin, Armenia

"I'm the only musician here from Armenia, so I can't speak to anyone in my mother tongue. But I speak Russian very well, and my best friend in the orchestra is Russian; we are almost like sisters. I came to Switzerland eleven years ago and I actually like everything here: the landscape, the people and of course the orchestra. There's just one thing I don't understand: why are almost all the restaurants and cafés closed on Sunday? That's the day when you could have time to go out somewhere with the family!"

-

Ulrike Schumann-Gloster, 2nd violin, Germany / Switzerland

"In over 20 years here, I have repeatedly noticed how deeply art and high-quality arts and crafts are anchored in everyday life. I'm thinking of Freitag bags or watchmaking, for example, but also architecture, fashion and design. In addition, there is a very conscious, sustainable use of resources - it reminds me of Japan, where diversity and enormously beautiful things are also created in a small space. Or of my childhood in the GDR: people there made a lot of things themselves and used the limited possibilities creatively and inventively. This is actually a very valuable artistic design principle ... limitation as a concept!"

-

Filipe Johnson, 1st violin, Brazil

"When I walked through the streets in Brazil with my violin or pulled my mobile phone out of my pocket, it was always a risk. I feel safe in Zurich - that's the most important thing for me. I once came to Switzerland to study, after which I travelled with a trio. But I needed a permanent job to get a residence permit, so I signed up for orchestral auditions. I'll never forget coming from Bellevue, looking at the lake and thinking: this is where I want to live. I am certain that God has led me here."

-

Gabriele Ardizzone, violoncello, Italy / Switzerland

"I moved from Milan to Basel to study and have now spent more than half my life in Switzerland. At first, the Swiss cities seemed small to me, but now I appreciate the short distances; you can get anywhere very quickly by bike. I also like many other things and have become very accustomed to life here. Only sometimes I miss the Italian atmosphere, the stable weather, a certain spontaneity. I even make appointments with my Italian friends here two weeks in advance ... By the way, I've long since been naturalised: Zurich is my home town."

—

Photos: Alberto Venzago