The favourites of Monique van Zelst

'Alex Elia plays solo in the programme with Argerich! As an orchestra inspector, I am closely involved with our musicians and I think it's fantastic that the first trumpeter can shine in such a programme with this legend! I'm also looking forward to the concerts with Yannick. This time with Die Walküre. Yannick is so inspiring and positive: the orchestra seems to play even better under his direction. Everyone is happy and energized whether they are doing the Nutcracker or Die Walküre. He makes people shine, on stage, but also behind the scenes. And then Emanuele and Roman in Don Quixote. I am a violist myself and have worked here as a replacement for sixteen years. You can't ignore the beautiful alto solo in this piece, and then with our chief conductor: a major piece with two soloists from the orchestra. I can't choose between the programme with Shostakovich Ten, when I played in the orchestra for the first time, and Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet in March, which I played for the first time in the Netherlands Youth Orchestra, my first major symphonic work. Hearing those first notes always gives me butterflies in my stomach. My choice revolves around memories and compassion for musicians.'