Balkan Blech - Swiss Made (Swiss Stories 2012, by Tomas Wüthrich) - Swiss Press Award
Beobachter
Tomas Wüthrich
A real test for the Swiss Balkan brass band Traktorkestar. They are 12 young musicians from Switzerland who have boldly placed themselves in the great tradition of Balkan brass music. Especially in Serbia, but also in other Balkan countries, the "trubači" are very popular and perform at parties, weddings, and festivals. How do these young musicians from Switzerland not only play this music, but also perform at concerts in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia? Even at the renowned Guca Festival, where the best brass bands compete? It's like a Serbian choir performing at the Swiss Yodeling Festival. Very daring. The answer is simple: because they're really good! The audience, including the Balkan audience, is delighted. They also loved their version of the Swiss classic "Vreneli ab em Guggisberg." And one more thing: none of these musicians have a Balkan immigrant background. Culture is not in the genes, but arises somewhere between the head, heart and hand.
