#schongenial: How did the idea for Bella Musica come about? Was there a specific moment that provided the impetus?
Stefan David Hummel: Yes, the roots are very personal. As a young musician, I was able to go on international concert tours with large youth orchestras - as far afield as Australia and Russia. These experiences broadened my horizons enormously. Music was always the key: it connects people across languages and cultures. It was precisely this experience that I wanted to pass on. Bella Musica was born out of the desire to give young musicians this formative experience of travelling and making music together.
#schongenial: You have been running Bella Musica for many years. How did the project develop?
Stefan David Hummel: What started out as a simple idea has become a multi-layered European cultural project. In addition to making music together, the focus has increasingly shifted to historical and musicological topics. The historical connection between Salzburg and Tuscany is particularly exciting for us. Figures such as Ferdinand III and, of course, Mozart show how closely Europe has always been culturally intertwined. A milestone in 2017 was the award as "Young Ambassador of the European Mozart Trails".
#schongenial: A recent highlight was the collaboration with the International Mozarteum Foundation?
Stefan David Hummel: Absolutely. The fact that we were able to play Mozart's original violin and a Steinway grand piano owned by Puccini in Lucca in 2025 was a historic moment. Such moments unite past and present in a unique way. The fact that RAI and ORF reported on it also shows the international significance of this project.
#schongenial: What role does cultural diversity play in the ensemble?
Stefan David Hummel: It is our heartbeat. When young people from different countries rehearse, travel and live together, it creates a deep dialogue. Europe is not experienced here in theory, but in a very concrete way: when making music, eating and in everyday life. These experiences create understanding, friendships and trust. This is exactly what we need today.
#schongenial: Bella Musica is part of the pre-college programme. What do you want the young talents to take away with them?
Stefan David Hummel: Much more than musical excellence. We consciously work on perception, communication and community and are inspired by Feldenkrais and creative methods such as improvisation, painting and dance. This results in a deep sense of togetherness. This is why we also perform in hospices and hospitals. There we show what music can really do: comfort, connect and give hope.
#schongenial: What does Bella Musica's role as Rotary Ambassador mean to you?
Stefan David Hummel: It is both an honour and an obligation. Rotary and Bella Musica share the same spirit: international understanding, humanity and responsibility. Our young musicians experience that music can overcome borders and work for peace. That is our motivation and our future.
#schongenial: Thank you very much for the interview and all the best for this very necessary task.
