Jacques Marcus
More than 34.7k times played this month
Jacques Marcus
When did you become interested in the flute?
In our family, we made a lot of music, my father and mother both played the piano. At a young age, I sat on my mother's lap behind the piano together with my twin brother. After the AMV lessons, I started on the recorder and then I chose the transverse flute.
Due to the fame of Thijs van Leer and Rampal, among others, my interest grew; I was fascinated by the sound of the flute.
I studied with Abbie de Quant in Utrecht, but have also always practiced light music. During the end of my education in Utrecht, I came across Nicolai Pirvu, pan flutist, from Romania from whom I had pan flute lessons for a number of years.
You played in a combo/orchestra for a while.
Did that start immediately after your studies? Can you tell us a bit more about this?
During high school I was a percussionist in a band for a while and played various improvisations on the flute, which is also my affinity with light music. Immediately after my education I went on tour with the radio orchestra Psalter through Sweden, among other places. The following year that orchestra became the "house orchestra" of the E.O. Psalter existed for about nine years, with two broadcasts per week, a very nice time! The orchestra played in various styles, which was a good learning experience for me.In some pieces I played a solo, which allowed me to develop in that area as well.
Especially after that time I have been frequently asked as a collaborator and/or as a soloist with various choirs,
where I can play on various instruments and in various styles. I am also regularly asked to record CDs in studios.
You not only play the transverse flute, but many more types and sizes of flutes.
Which ones are they?
Most people are most familiar with the "normal" flute (C flute). I also play the piccolo, alto flute and bass flute. I also often play the pan flute and the tin whistle (Irish flute) at concerts and recordings.
Why did you start playing those other flutes?
I have always been fascinated by other cultures, especially the music culture. I have visited many concerts abroad and have become interested in several flutes. On our last "big" trip (also a hobby), in Turkey, in Istanbul, I bought the Turkish flute Ney at a studio. In the south of the country, after a concert, I had lessons from a Ney player. The communication was not easy, but with a translation computer you can go a long way!
You are a much sought-after soloist. Is there a special event that has stayed with you?
What comes to mind: during a radio recording of Psalter my neighbor had put the swab of the transverse flute in my flute, so at the first start..........(nothing)!
In general, the chemistry between musicians and/or choir is the most beautiful experience!
