Halle (Saale) / MZ – Every family celebrates Christmas a little differently. A decorated Christmas tree, a fragrant roast and as many gifts as possible play an important role for almost everyone. But every generation creates new traditions. The magic of the Christmas season is inspired with every child. The Borggrefe family of six has also created their own rituals. They have, for example, homemade pizza instead of roast goose. The most important thing about Christmas for them, however, is music.
Everyone plays an instrument
Because all members of the family of six play an instrument. Mother and father are professional musicians in the Staatskapelle. Paula (21) and Friedrich (16) play the violin, Gustav (18) horn and Emma (14) cello. So it is no wonder that all six of them come to the music room in their house after the church service on Christmas Eve. A fire blazes in the fireplace, a Moravian star shines above the white grand piano. While the Borggrefes usually like to sing an adapted serenade by Mozart in a sextet, the family sings classic Christmas carols on this day. Son Gustav accompanies his parents and siblings on the piano. Only then are there gifts and your own pizza creation.
Despite the pandemic, the musicians are relieved to be able to celebrate a reasonably normal Christmas again this year. For the Borggrefes that means giving concerts. “We really enjoy playing in front of an audience,” says mother Katja. She and her husband and the Staatskapelle will accompany the fairy tale play “Hansel and Gretel” in the opera on Christmas Day. Son Gustav plays the piano at the nativity play in the St. Laurentius Church. “Performances are essential for us musicians to motivate us,” adds father Fabian. When cultural life came to a standstill in lockdown, the Borggrefes had to keep moving so as not to completely lose their passion for notes and life. “Sport helped us a lot during this time,” says Fabian Borggrefe. Jogging, racing bikes and cross-country skiing kept the six fit and the family peace.
Grateful for the cohesion
“Even when there was a crash at home, we were very happy that we had each other during this time and that we are such a big family,” emphasizes Katja Borggrefe. Daughter Paula, who actually studies the violin in Salzburg, also came home for several months. The corona pandemic hit you particularly hard. The lessons had to be digital. She couldn’t really get to know her fellow students. For exams, the violinist had to record concerts, which was not comparable to a real foreplay. “We need the routine of giving concerts,” emphasizes the eldest son Gustav, who is studying horn in Stuttgart. Otherwise the excitement is so great that mistakes happen. The family is optimistic about the new year. Solo concerts are planned for Paula and Gustav, Friedrich wants to tour France with the Federal Youth Orchestra. And how does Christmas Eve end with the Borggrefes? “Very relaxed. We read the Christmas mail that relatives and friends have sent us, ”says Fabian Borggrefe. That too is a very special family tradition.
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