At 20 years old, French student Rémi Bérard did not just take an ordinary backpacking trip like many other people his age. With the usual big backpack, he also carried the almost 15-kilo cello equipment to travel around Europe. He embarked on this journey to re-discover the history behind the cello and build his own story together with his loved musical instrument.
His project "Mon Histoire du violoncelle" took him to six countries in Europe to learn about the origins of the cello but also to play in many beautiful locations around the region.
"I am a cellist, but I don't know anything about the cello. This phrase disturbed me when I was playing."
He played the cello in many places like the Eiffel Tower, a gondola in Venice, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Atomium in Brussels. He also played in places where you least expect a classical cellist will play, like in a supermarket, a laundry service, a library, an abandoned plane, several churches – to name a few. He also played behind a truck, inside a train, on a Vespa and a boat.
"It was a trip beyond what I imagined it to be. It was a great experience to be able to be with my cello and play for people in many locations.", said Rémi Bérard.
The idea to make this trip started two years ago when he initially planned a trip around Europe on his bike. However, a friend convinced him to travel with his cello instead and mix his passion for travel and playing the instrument.
Armed with the idea, he applied for funding from the association Zellija. He got their greenlight, which allowed him to begin his trip.
"I learned a lot about the cello, but what I learned the most is about myself and how I interact with people. That's the biggest thing I learned. I met so many people in this trip – from ambassadors, composers, store owners, cellists, community managers, gallery owners, and other students."
His trip was also partly supported by other people who offered free food, accommodation or transportation while travelling. In some cases, he asked for free items in exchange for playing his cello for them, and often, people have said yes.
Rémi was ten years old when his parents made him pick up the musical instrument, but after years of training, he had to stop when he went to high school.
"I wasn't really into playing the cello before; at some point, I had to choose between playing the cello, my studies and sports. I decided to choose to be a better student and play rugby", added Rémi. But after suffering an injury, he decided to go and play the cello again.
He has since been back to France after making his trip – but he expects to hopefully get to make another trip next year, perhaps in another part of the world.
"I'm glad that this trip gave me the chance to share my passion for the cello and to break the clichés on this instrument."
More info: Instagram
Playing the cello in a Gondola in Venice, Italy
Playing cello in front of the Louvre in Paris, France
Playing on the Paris streets
Playing cello inside a church
