What happened there? Our KHO members tell us about a snapshot before the concert – this time with with double bass player Hans-Christoph Spree and trumpetist Stephan Stadtfeld on bikes.

Hans-Christoph: At first, I was just looking for a way to be less reliant on the train. That’s when I eventually came across the folding bike, and that's when my passion began. You do stand out when you fold it open and close before or after work, and your colleagues ask all kinds of questions.. And the more people own one, the more you end up talking shop.

Stephan: There’s something really bonding about arriving at the Konzerthaus in the morning and seeing someone else getting off their little bike, too. Unfortunately, in my case, I often get a bit of a telling-off from Hans – and rightly so. His bike is always spotlessly maintained, but mine is sometimes left outside, getting rained on – and you can tell. (Looks at his bike) I should make a bit more of an effort, that’s true. (They both laugh.)

Stephan: To me, it’s a practical item, not a “cult object”, but I do like it and enjoy its mechanics and design. These bikes look great, and I think the idea that you can fold them up is brilliant.

Stephan: To rehearsals or concerts, but I also really enjoy walking to the concert hall and back.

Hans-Christoph: In my day-to-day life, but I also take it with me on holiday or on tour. I enjoy to be able to hop on my bike before a concert and cycle off somewhere nice. As a double bassist, I don’t have to carry my instrument myself, so I can take the bike with me.

... but there are strict rules about what you can bring in. You can’t take the bike in, can you?

Hans-Christoph: No. If we were flying, I’d actually have to check it in separately as bulky luggage. The case is full anyway when the instrument is inside - so there’s no chance of that. But if, for example, we’re playing at the Philharmonie and the case standing empty backstage, I sometimes lock the bike away in there during rehearsals, because it might be a bit vulnerable to theft if left outside.

Hans-Christoph: By coach! Trains are even more prone to disruption. And on the bus, I tend to get a bit drowsy quite quickly and can often fall asleep.

Stephan: I prefer the coach too, but in general,  I tend to stay in “active mode” on  ROUE. After a Mahler symphony, for example, I’m not tired straight away – I’m still very energised and buzzing from the music and the adrenaline that comes when we play our parts. Then, it definitely takes me another two or three hours before I can really get to sleep.  I absolutely love travelling, but the aspect I find particularly great is that the orchestra grows even closer together and you get the chance to chat with so many of your colleagues.