A heart for music: Joe Mösenbichler - conductor of the Trachtenmusikkapelle Fuschl am See

The Trachtenmusikkapelle Fuschl am See has been in existence since 1929 and has around 60 - 65 active musicians. This is remarkable considering the population of almost 1,500 people. Joe Mösenbichler, the bandleader, has been leading this motivated group with full commitment and a great passion for music for around 20 years. Many concerts enrich the community and delight a large number of guests. The "sounding sunset" has become a highlight for many bathers, hikers and, of course, locals, especially in recent years.

A "colourful programme" runs through the year here. Starting with the spring concert, the weekly summer concerts, the "Seeblasen" at sunset, through to the Christmas concert and other events. Each concert and the respective music has its own character, new challenges and its own charm. For Joe Mösenbichler, there is no single highlight, but many small ones. "I wouldn't want to miss any of them," are his words.

"Regional and organic" is how Joe describes the music of the TMK Fuschl. Customs and tradition are very important in Fuschl am See, and the authenticity of the music is particularly important to him. Nothing is "amplified" here and nothing is "canned". Every concert is played live. The music draws on many genres, with traditional brass music playing a particularly important role: whether it's the Imperial and Royal March, the Bohemian Polka or a waltz - they are just as much a part of the TMK-Fuschl programme as well-known film music or songs by Michael Jackson."Right across the vegetable patch," says Joe Mösenbichler. "Because people are happy when they hear songs that they already have in their ears." The high number of concertgoers and the euphoric applause at every performance confirm his words.

A few years ago, the Trachtenmusikapelle Fuschl am See started a special "special". A few of the musicians take a boat across Lake Fuschl at sunset. On the beach, guests listen to the traditional, tranquil brass band music, which harmoniously rings in the twilight. The "Sounding Sunset" is a complete package: the idyllic setting of the lake, the sunset, the view of the glistening water and the soundscape on the water - an unforgettable atmosphere. Joe says: " When the sun goes down, it's warm and you're sitting out there. That's something very special."

Every Wednesday during the summer, the Trachtenmusikkapelle organises a small concert on the village square in Fuschl am See. As there is unfortunately no suitable indoor location for this, the concerts only take place in good weather. In addition to the weekly concerts, the "Sounding Sunset" and other events, regular rehearsals are of course also part of the programme. Not only to perfectly master and train the various instruments, but also to strengthen the interaction between the many musicians in order to create a "homogeneous body of sound".

Joe reports that there has to be someone who sets the direction. However, this is very easy for him with this "laid-back group" and he really enjoys it. Sometimes he may have to give small impulses and "turn a few screws", but otherwise his musicians do a great job. "Open to something new, but keep the old" is the motto he uses to lead the band and choose the pieces of music.

He was born with music in his cradle. Growing up at Bambichlhof, in a musical family, he was practically born into music. His father and grandfather were already in the same band - his grandfather was even chairman himself, and his father was on the board. His siblings also enjoy making music. He has "grown into" life as a musician. He sees the fact that he can now live this dream professionally as great luck and a kind of coincidence.