Insider Look
10 questions with...
Catherine Gaul – Senior Manager Orchestra Personnel and Touring
Insider Look
10 Questions with...
Catherine Gaul – Senior Manager Orchestra Personnel and Touring
Do you remember the first concert you ever attended at the Philharmonie? The last one?
It was ages ago…now that I think of it, though, I don’t really remember my first concert, but more the first time I sat in the main auditorium to watch a rehearsal. I'd just come from the world of cinema. The orchestra was playing Pirates of the Caribbean for a Pops concert. I had tears in my eyes, it was so moving. I still get goosebumps thinking about it. It evoked such strong emotions.
Is there a corner of the Philharmonie which you particularly like?
Backstage. It’s where everyone gets ready, where the stress is palpable before the orchestra and artists take to the stage. It’s also a privilege to be in a place that few people get to see.
Which project do you cherish the most at the moment?
I really enjoy overseeing the production of the end-of-season open-air concert at Kinnekswiss. There’s always something magical about this event. The summer concert featuring our new musical director Martin Rajna [back in 04.07, ed.] was very special.
What’s something about touring with an orchestra that would surprise people who have never experienced it from the inside?
I don’t think you can really appreciate what travelling with an orchestra is like unless you’ve experienced it. It’s a captivating and enriching experience, but it’s also exhausting. You never really stop. There’s always something to deal with, big or small. You’re right at the centre of it all. It feels great when everything runs smoothly, when the orchestra and the musicians are happy with how it all went. And if, on top of that, you're able to relax a bit, that's the icing on the cake. I think the audience would be surprised by all the logistics our teams put in place.
How do you manage working with so many different personalities within the orchestra?
After years of working together, we adapt to each other.
What is the last thing that made you and your colleagues laugh in the office?
Well, we usually laugh a lot in our office. But the last time we all burst into uncontrollable laughter was just recently. A colleague was saying that if a burglar broke into her house, she would start singing Johnny Hallyday's song Marie with fervour, like she was in concert. That would certainly scare him, wouldn't it? Of course, you don't have the live version here, but I'm sure you can imagine what it would sound like. And it might make you laugh too, right?
Can you share with us your secret spot in your favourite city to tour in?
Oh, I'm going to disappoint you, but I very rarely have the opportunity to visit the cities we tour in. But we always find nice little bars and restaurants where we can share a moment with some of the musicians and colleagues after the concerts. I have very fond memories of Moscow, Athens, Udine, Valencia, Caen and San Sebastian.
What music motivates you at work or on tour?
In my office we have an audio/video feed from the rehearsal room. So we always have orchestra rehearsals playing in the background. I don’t overload it with other music. However, for the tasks that require maximum concentration, I have to work in silence. On tour, when I need to be in my own little world, I listen to my music recommendations. Recently, during our trip to Vienna, I had the album «The Campfire Headphase» by Boards of Canada on repeat. It was pleasant for strolling around the city.
What do you like to do on a weekend or day off? Right now, my little girl is calling the shots and setting the pace for our weekends and days off at home. On the agenda: bike rides, trips to the Belgian coast, endless games, visits to farms and animal parks, educational museums, and expeditions to the playgrounds… Let's just say the word «rest» remains rather theoretical! But these moments are wonderful and recharge my batteries. If it had a soundtrack, it would sound more like Denver: The Last Dinosaur than Mahler 2!
What's your favourite object on your desk?
I don't really have a favourite item. I'd say the most useful thing is definitely my phone. But the most enjoyable thing in my office is my colleagues!
This interview was conducted by email in French in April 2026.
