Musical instruments at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony

July 27, 2024, 3:24 PM · I had exactly the same question. Perhaps they played on their "outdoors" instruments (whatever that may mean), but, then, still, these are typically also pretty good instruments. I found the whole situation utterly insane.

Edited: July 27, 2024, 7:10 PM · The musicians were using loaner instruments of low quality; they weren’t using their own.

https://www.classicfm.com/music-news/orchestra-wet-instruments-olympics-paris-ceremony/

Edited: July 27, 2024, 7:15 PM · At the same time there were still good instruments out there. For example, Lady Gaga had a real Steinway piano, muted so she could play along with the click track. She went early, so maybe they removed it before the rain. But what about the other pianist, who was playing Ravel? And still, I cringe at any stringed instrument simply being wrecked by rain.

Also, the Classic FM story says "It is probable that the same decision was made for last night’s parade in Paris. The French musicians were likely given cheaper instruments to mime on, while their real violins, violas, cellos and basses were well-covered at home." I don't feel like that's a confirmation. And then they quote a harpist - it sounds off-the-cuff, not official. I imagine that different artists had different contingencies - or lack thereof.

Edited: July 29, 2024, 11:06 AM · I think that at the Utah winter Olympics the orchestra strings were supplied with student level instruments (from SouthWestStrings?)
which reminds me; as a Mariachi violinist, about half of our jobs are outside. I have played in direct sun in the hot Cal. summer, in the rain in December for church processions, in the cold and dark for dawn serenades, in wind strong enough to blow the bow off of the string.... My Violin for all that was purchased for $600.

July 27, 2024, 11:46 PM · The whole thing is just a horror. All of it.

Edited: July 28, 2024, 5:09 AM · Mary Ellen thanks for that link, very informative! (Actually, I've been repeatedly told by wiser people than myself, if something seems insane to you, there is a chance you don't understand it yourself.) So probably here they were soundmixing a prerecording. Yet, still, a whole range of student instruments was basically destroyed in the process. Negligible part of the whole budget I guess… Still it does not feel right to do such a thing, although, Nathan Cole once also destroyed such an instrument as part of a modern violin concerto, I seem to recall.

July 28, 2024, 6:45 AM · The worst is that many folks will imagine that these instruments can indeed be played in the rain....

July 28, 2024, 8:16 AM · A sad story of waste. Somebody - a beginner, a child - would have valued those instruments. A poor reflection on the country of Berlioz, Fauré, Debussy, Ravel, Messiaen... .

July 28, 2024, 9:35 AM · Are they necessarily all ruined? I've never done the experiment.

July 29, 2024, 3:46 AM · From what I know, large events like the Olympics usually have contingency plans for such situations.

Musicians often have backup instruments or protective covers to shield their gear from the elements. It’s tough to keep instruments safe in extreme conditions, but professionals are well-prepared for these challenges.

Some instruments might still get damaged, but the teams working behind the scenes do their best to mitigate the risks.

July 29, 2024, 5:43 AM · It is a horror.

Different instruments have different tollerances to water. By and large, brass instruments are like dogs who love water. Strings are more like cats. Water is evil;)

I would be most afraid for the piano and harp as there are no inexpensive grand pianos or harps.

Don't try to put a square peg in a round hole. Orchestras need shelter. In general they are best off indoors.

July 29, 2024, 7:22 AM · I find some soggy violins to hardly be the most concerning aspect of the circus in Paris.

July 29, 2024, 9:01 AM · That double-bassist pictured in the classicfm article that Mary Ellen linked is the new poster child for carbon fiber stringed instruments fitted with Wittner pegs.

I think the main question here is whether the orchestra performed for the bizarre "Last Supper" parody that has invited so much controversy.

Edited: July 29, 2024, 9:03 AM · Possibly one of the smallest examples of waste that the Olympics overall resoundingly not just represents but fully embodies, given just how much they build every for years for such a singular usage.

July 29, 2024, 11:24 AM · Perhaps these were the equivalent of eBay "VSO" instruments? In that case, I wish them a swift end.

Seriously though, the imagery is horrific !