"Anthea Moys vs l’Ensemble genevois de cors des alpes l’Etoile" as part of
"Anthea Moys vs les Communes Genevoises" 2014
A project following on from her previous project; "Anthea Moys vs the City of Grahamstown"
Photos by Xavier Ripolles
What chance does one woman have against a whole city?
Over the duration of the Antigel festival, South African performance artist Anthea Moys will be competing against the clubs and associations of Geneva in a tournament of skill, strength, and artistry. She will be competing against 10 Alphorn players, 9 traditional Swiss wrestlers, 9 Velodrome cyclists and a full Ice Hockey team.
Moys has spent the last two months in Geneva learning the skills she will need, from the groups against which she will be competing. This process of exchange is very important to the artist. “For me, there is something pure and powerful about connecting with strangers by learning the rules of their games.”
One of her first battles was playing the Alp Horn:
The Ensemble genevois de cors des alpes l’Etoile was founded in 2004, under the leadership of Pascal Droux. Since its humble beginnings, the club has grown in stature, and has performed in various communes and folk festivals. Anthea has been learning this difficult instrument for two months, and will be competing solo.
After an astounding performance by the Alp Horn team, Anthea took the dimly lit stage. For quite a while Anthea could not find the note that was required to begin her song that she had learnt for the contest. Finally, she found it and played her song. The judges we lenient and let her play her two songs again. She did not fare badly and came out with about 53%. The Alphorn team walked away proudly with the trophy and a celebration was had over Fondue and white wine!
This video was screened before each performance and shows the training period which took place prior to the final contests.
Learning to play the Alp Horn with my patient instructor Pascal Droux.
Mathias speaking with Pascal Droux about the Alp Horn
After the performance, members of the audience could come up and have a turn...
Anthea and the Cor des Alp Team
Anthea with the Cor des Alp Team having Fondue!
Anthea's two songs she played for the contest. Composed especially for Anthea by her teacher Pascal.
Here are the Judges' final notes for the contest. See more detailed marks below. Thank you to the Judges!
