Summer Sounds : Emmanuel
from David Guetta to Madonna and Lady Gaga: this is cellist and personal trainer Emmanuel's summer soundtrack
#03 Nicola Mascia
I'm Nicola, I manage the youth orchestras and have been part of the Brussels Philharmonic team since 2013. One of life's greatest pleasures is live music, and when I'm not organising our projects, I try to catch as many concerts and performances as possible. Symphonic music is, of course, a big part of my life, but I love many other genres too.
I also love museums and theatre! I count myself lucky living in a city like Brussels, with his incredible cultural scene there's so much to discover!
Music favourites?
Very difficult to choose! Definitely a lot of rock: post-rock, progressive rock, alternative metal... My very first job was in a black music festival. I also listen to reggae, hip hop, jazz and funk on a daily basis. The first album I ever bought was Bob Marley's Uprising – I probably still know every lyric by heart.
When it comes to classical music, I love big symphonies and works for large orchestra. There’s something incredibly powerful about a huge group of people making music, creating a delicate, fragile musical moment. Pini di Roma is an absolute favourite, as are Verdi’s Requiem and Aida. In recent years, I've also become fascinated by Russian composers, especially Stravinsky, Shostakovich and Prokofiev.
My instrument
I play the drums and percussion. I started studying and practicing after being inspired by the musicians of Youth Orchestra Flanders. In Sardinia – where I'm from – music is part of many social moments and family traditions, so I grew up surrounded by it! I also love to sing, and have a small collection of instruments from all over the world.
Summer soundtrack
My summer soundtrack is a mash-up of scorching funk hits, jazz classics, rock anthems and italian singer-songwriters. Special mentions for Pata Pata by Miriam Makeba and Sciallà by Nu Genea: a timeless classic and a fresh summer hit. Different vibes for my favourite season!
PLAYLIST
Miriam Makeba Pata Pata
Nu Genea Sciallà
Tame Impala The Less I Know the Better
Vulfpeck 1612
Fabio Concato Domenica Bestiale
Queens of the Stone Age No One Knows
Tool Forty Six & 2
Earth Wind & Fire Getaway
And... guilty pleasures?
I don't feel guilty about it at all: defintely Disney princess songs! I have a daughter and our favourites are Vaiana and, of course, Elsa. They're empowering and fun! And often very well produced music – perfect for a broadway show.
Summer mode: on
No doubt: you'll find me on a beach in Sardinia. Amazing nature, great food, and many festivals and concerts. I'm also visiting Milan and Turin, before squeezing in a hike through Hautes Fagnes to enjoy sunny Belgium.
more Summer Sounds
Summer Sounds: Tom Pipeleers
from musicians to staff members: discover the favourite orchestral pieces of the Brussels Philharmonic every week during the summer break
Summer Sounds: José Vilaplana
from musicians to staff members: discover the favourite orchestral pieces of the Brussels Philharmonic every week during the summer break
