Jeanne Biessen

Second Violin

Music was always there for Jeanne. Born and raised in the Netherlands Jeanne has always been surrounded by the arts, and as a third generation classical musician, music was not a choice, it was a calling.
Violin was the instrument, and after her studies in Amsterdam Jeanne has been very happily playing and teaching all over Europe , in every art discipline and music style you can think of, for the last 30 years.
But now ? Canada is the new musical stage to conquer, and as a teacher, chamber music coach and orchestra member of the GSO, a beautiful new musical road lies ahead !

What inspired you to pick up your instrument for the first time, and how has your journey evolved since then?
My Grandfather was a conductor,my father was an orchestra flute player, so from very early on I knew there would be an instrument in my life, music was all around all day long in our house. When I was six, I wanted a violin, which came when I was eight, because we had to wait until I was tall enough for the smallest instrument......but when I had it, there was no stopping me !

Can you share a memorable performance moment that still resonates with you today?
In 1994, I was a member of the Dutch National Youth Orchestra. We had a performance, in the Concertgebouw Amsterdam with Shostakovich 7th Symphony, the Leningrad, that was so intense, and so loud, that when it was over, the audience was so intimidated with the experience , they forgot to applaud. To this day, that 15 second time frame before they erupted, is still the longest deafening intense silence I’ve ever heard in my life.

If you could perform in any concert hall around the world, which one would it be and why?
The outside Roman opera amphi theatre in Verona Italy , with a nice Puccini opera ! On a summers night while all the audience is singing , eating and drinking along!

Who is your favorite composer, and what piece of theirs do you love playing the most?
No favourites, just people who always seem to be there.
Stravinsky ( Sacre du Printemps ) , Ravel ( la Valse) , Bach ( St Matthew Passion) , Tchaikovsky ( any ballet ) and there is always some “composer of the week “ that I am crazy about .

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring musicians?
It took me so long to figure out that it is the most important to play like you, not like the “famous” musician or orchestra you think you need to sound like in order for people to want you. The best musician you can be is the one that you are.

Can you share a funny or unexpected backstage story from a past performance?
I was in a musical theatre production where they thought it was wise to have me as a violinist do 3 wardrobe changes in under 30 seconds all around the theatre. One of which, I kid you not, was a wardrobe change into a hideous bridal dress ,on a bail of hay, INBETWEEN TWO LIVE CAMELS, who kept on staring at me stinking up the place. The things you do for art sometimes....

What non-musical hobbies or interests do you have that influence or inspire your musicality?
I like antiques, I look for modern paintings and am in love with Mid Century Modern Furniture and Art Deco lamps .
And still music, but I am an avid collector of 78 records and proud owner of two beautiful gramophones, so I can annoy the neighbours in the back yard on quiet summer nights by blaring 1930’s big band classics without the use of electricity.

If you could have a dinner party with any musician, living or deceased, who would they be and why?
Frank Zappa: because he was a genius and managed to make 12 tone serial poprock music relatively easy to listen to. And that is special.
Or
Spike Jones: because he was a genius in cartoon music and goofing off while being an exceptionally good musician and a very nice person, and if I ever win the lottery, I swear I will spend all my money on an orchestra that will keep his music alive.

What do you think is the most rewarding aspect of being part of an orchestra?
Breathing with group, bowing with the group, moving with the group. Sometimes you move and play as one instrument, and that is the most rewarding feeling of all.

What is your favourite GSO memory?
I have been in the GSO only for one year , so my memory now is the insanely warm welcome I got from the first second on. From each and everyone of you.

Do you play another instrument or is there one you wished you could play?
I would love to be able to pluck double bass in a background jazz trio, first because I love jazz, and double bass, but second because it would look ridiculous, I am so short I would need a step ladder.

Besides your musical career, what other passions or occupations do you pursue?
I like to cook. Not bake! I do not possess a sweet tooth, but I love the Mediterranean Kitchen , and since I got a top of the line Italian stove now, the culinary sky is the limit! Everybody welcome!

What is your favourite food/book/movie/guilty pleasure?
We make sure that outside is Canada, and that is great, but inside our house in the weekend, it is Europe. 5 o’clock Friday martinis, good cheeses ,nice olives, home made tapas , mezzedes and antipasti, decent wine and my favourite. A good Belgian triple beer. Paired with a nice conversation , the best and a pleasure. Not guilty about that at all.

If you couldn’t be a musician, what would you want to do?
I would love to be an investigative journalist, and annoy a wide variety of shady people with my incessant inquiries .