#music, SPECIAL FEATURE by VALENCIARTIST: Bram Fournier

Today FEATURES by VALENCIARTIST is SPECIAL! We are so proud to feature Bram Fournier, a phenomenal musician, trombonist who is a soloist at the orchestra of the Royale Operahouse ‘La Monnaie’ in Brussels and associated with the wind ensemble I Solisti, with which he plays chamber music and coaches young talents. In addition, he is a regular guest with the Hermes ensemble, Belgian Brass, Antwerp Symphony Orchestra, Brussels Philharmonic, National Orchestra of Belgium and Casco Phil, (from https://www.bramfournier.be/).

We are also happy to say that he is an art lover and avid collector.

We spoke to Bram about certain questions and issues that concern artists of all disciplines. Here is our interview:

VA: As a musician you are a participant of the fine arts, do you feel that artists have a higher social responsibility than other members of their community? Meaning to stand up, or speak out, against injustices, inequalities and corruption, through perhaps social media or any other means of communication available, or participation.

BF: From my point of view artists have the chance to unite people. I would rather not speak out my political opinion of stage, but as an overall base we are there to bring people together to enjoy the music. We can serve as a entertainment, escape, relaxation, meditation, reflecties and much more.
The power of a performance is huge while without knowing opposites can sit in the same hall experiencing the same vibe.

VA: What are your major references when composing and do you use improvisation in your music?

BF: I’m a performing artist, not composing but in our interpretation we have a lot of freedom to tell our story, taking along all our history. My major references are continuously changing, it can be literature, drawings, performing artists,… but also certainly nature and personal emotional stories.

VA: What are your views regarding the state of the art world? Meaning music, painting, poetry, dance, literature.

BF: The State has to give the liberty of letting artists create and show their artwork. Even when it’s not following the political point of view of the politicians at power, artists should always be able to speak out. It shouldn’t be seen as a threat but as a exercise to do better and listen to the point of view of the people. Hand in hand, art and politics can lift society.

Phenomenal… I leave you with his website for further information (https://www.bramfournier.be) and a sample of Bram’s music which I hope you will greatly enjoy!