Three weeks ago, I participated in a handpan retreat. It was about learning how to play in a group and connect musically with other players. There I met two lovely ladies from the South of France, Christine and Lydia, who drove all the way up to Interlaken to play some music and meet like-minded people.
The weekend started poorly for me as I was a little under the weather. However, I found some energy again and really enjoyed the experience! You can check the summary of the retreat on video. This is where the French ladies told me about a magical event happening three weeks later…
Three weeks later, here I am in Auvergne, in the middle of France! I’m with my friend, teacher and talented musician Flavio Salvaje to spend a few days at a handpan festival! For me, it’s a new world, as I have played the handpan for only a little more than a year, mostly on my own, and haven’t met many players before the retreat. Here, people are jamming in every corner, there are stands of makers selling handpans, didgeridoos, drums, shakers and arts and crafts.
The event takes place at the Domaine du Balbuzard under beautiful trees and near a small lake. There is a stage, large tents and a camping ground where people set up their camper-vans or tents. I am lucky enough to have been invited to sleep in my friends’ yurt!
My highlights of the weekend:
- opening the festival with an improvisation on stage, with Flavio and Julien, a player Flavio connected with, just a few hours before, while playing for a yoga lesson guided by Lydia;
- listening to concerts by amazing French artists like Thierry Bleton (handpan), Waagal (multi-intrumentalist), David Lesage (handpan with voice), 3keys (handpan, beatbox and didgeridoo), Alem (handpan and beatbox), Jeremy Nattagh (handpan) and Tom Vaylo (handpan, sax, guitar);
- the rainbow after a violent storm;
- having deep conversations about love and attachment with my friends.
