Antje Schurrock studied in Leipzig and at the Hanns Eisler Academy of Music in Berlin. She has won prizes in various competitions and has been a member of the Academy for Ancient Music Berlin for many years.

I obtained my position in what was then the Berliner Sinfonie-Orchester after the first audition of my life. I was in my third year of studies, and was actually just trying out how to audition because I wanted to know what it felt like to compete with other flutists. Could I stand the pressure? This is how my life as an orchestral musician began in 1987, and I can say that I am still happy that I chose to audition.

For me, it is a gift to be able to earn a living with my love of music. All your senses are open when you sit on stage with your colleagues during a concert. In the best case, you merge into one big whole. Even after more than 30 years, I often sit on stage in amazement and gratitude, surrounded by so many great musicians, enjoying the music and thankful for the fact that I am part of it all. Listening to each piece, finding my place in it and transporting myself into the fabric of the music is a truly exciting challenge that inspires and fascinates me.

Maybe I would have ended up in a social profession or in interior design, but I can’t imagine being happier anywhere else.