Upwards from the depths of the woodwind section - we take the elevator with principal cor anglais player Iria Folgado and Alexander Kasper whose full job title is ”Second bassoon with obligation to doublebassoon”. And have learnt that low woodwinds have very different characteristics.

Yes, because there's a solo (laughs)!

I actually wanted to play first, which means principal oboe. At a festival, however, I was playing cor anglais and my teacher thought that there was something special about me and this instrument. He suggested that I give it a try.

For me, Second oboe would be a difficult role. It's in a register that is not so comfortable. Normally it always has to take a step back and play a little more piano than the first oboe. The two players have to know each other and each other's sound very well. The cor anglais is a different world.

I love playing the lower notes on my instrument. The tenor register, in which the first bassoon plays, also has its appeal, but the low notes simply suit me better. My position is a combination of providing a basis for the whole woodwind section - for this you also need a certain kind of leading and solo quality - and an ability to adapt and blend, for example with the double basses and cellos And also with the other solo instruments of the orchestra like the cor anglais.

Alex: When we have auditions or orchestra meetings, we are usually under the roof. Taking the lift then always brings surprises and unexpected conversations - you never know who from our large ensemble is already inside or will get on.

When I have to go to the stage in the Great Hall, it's a little ritual for me to walk up the few steps, check the fit of my bow tie in the mirror again and approach my colleagues warming up backstage at my own pace.

Iria:  I often have to carry a lot of things to the stage: the cor anglais and sometimes the oboe, plus the box with the reeds, the water for them and so on. The elevator is more comfortable, but too slow. So I prefer to take the stairs.

(We arrive back on the ground floor, the door opens in slow motion and reveals a small crowd of people who, for various reasons, cannot walk well. Everyone says hello, we get out, they go up to the Small Hall to listen to the afternoon Espresso Concert).

Alex: What I always really enjoy is meeting the audience backstage at the elevator. I then wish them a good evening and am happy about this contact, for which I don't have to go into the foyer.

Iria: Before chamber concerts, you even go up together. People ask you if you're nervous or wish you good luck. You don't have these spontaneous meetings before concerts in other venues without this slow elevator!