Weird and wonderful: Orchestra gives world-class performances on instruments made solely from vegetables
Founded in 1998, this dynamic, self-organized orchestra melds talents from improvisation, electronic, and rock, innovating with uniquely crafted vegetable instruments for a distinct musical collaboration.
This group of musicians in Vienna represent a truly unique talent. They handcraft vegetable instruments and perform entire ensembles with them. | Photo courtesy of the Vegetable Orchestra
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Today’s captivating photo gallery, courtesy of the Vienna-based Vegetable Orchestra, comes from our Argentine journalist Mariela Laksman. The exclusive collection features innovative ensemble members Barbara Kaiser, Ernst Reitermaier, Jörg Piringer, Marie Steinauer, Matthias Meinharter, Nikolaus Gansterer, Richard Repey, Sabine Höllwerth, Stefan Kühn, Tamara Wilhelm, and Ulrich Troyer. They impress in both the creation of their unique vegetable instruments, and their use of them while performing.
Before each show, the team shops and prepares unique instruments from vegetables like carrots, dried pumpkins, and onions, crafting a one-of-a-kind sound for a single performance.
Every musician meticulously crafts their instrument for each show, such as this celeriac bongo being expertly drilled.
Or this remarkable celery violin, producing unique sounds with an organic origin that’s not immediately apparent.
The ensemble also employs utensils like record players and power drills, adding unconventional noises and textures to the music.
These organic instruments and sound generators, crafted from vegetables, resonate uniquely for just one concert or studio day.
Creating an amazing show, these vegetable instruments deliver a spectrum of sounds – from crisp and ethereal to deep and entrancing – offering audiences a rich, auditory experience.
The orchestra’s instruments, unlike traditional ones or laptops, require minimal energy and resources for production and are fully biodegradable, posing fewer problems.
The spectacular craftsmanship goes beyond the simple use of vegetables and requires a deep understanding of instrumentation and sound.
Delve into the Vienna Vegetable Orchestra’s musical journey with their 1999 debut album. Visit vegetableorchestra.org/gemise.php for a taste of their groundbreaking vegetable-infused melodies.
Or explore their latest recordings – ‘Automate’, ‘Onionoise’, and ‘Green Album’. Listen to all these innovative albums at Vegetable Orchestra Sounds.
Post-concert, the audience enjoys a soup made from leftover instrument vegetables, with parts of the instruments also shared as keepsakes.
The Vienna Vegetable Orchestra’s latest concert took place on October 21, 2023, at the Radiokulturhaus in Vienna. A special performance, as the orchestra celebrated their 25th anniversary. For more information on their upcoming schedule, visit Vegetable Orchestra Events.
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Image and Sound Designer, Integral Audiovisual and Journalistic Producer, writer, and teacher.
I started working when I was very young; Since 2001, I was a producer for different television programs, documentary films, radio, and generating creative content for different organizations and companies.
I won the award: "Nuevo Sudaca Border" with the microfiction book "Un Tigre con la Boca Abierta", for Eloisa Cartonera Editorial. I am passionate about telling stories and writing.
Image and Sound Designer, Integral Audiovisual and Journalistic Producer, writer, and teacher.
I started working when I was very young; Since 2001, I was a producer for different television programs, documentary films, radio, and generating creative content for different organizations and companies.
I won the award: "Nuevo Sudaca Border" with the microfiction book "Un Tigre con la Boca Abierta", for Eloisa Cartonera Editorial. I am passionate about telling stories and writing.
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December 14, 2023
This group of musicians in Vienna represent a truly unique talent. They handcraft vegetable instruments and perform entire ensembles with them. | Photo courtesy of the Vegetable Orchestra
