Thousands of children and young people from all over the world usually gather in early June at the music camp Side by Side in Gothenburg, where they usually get to play and sing classical music under the direction of world conductors. Due to the covid-19 situation in the world, with canceled flights and entry and exit bans, only a few could physically attend the camp in Gothenburg, but the more people joined digitally.

"Obviously, I don't want to be the conductor for thousands of young people in Scandinavium, but I think the digital has allowed us to reach wider and get participants who would otherwise never attend the camp," says Ron Davis Alvarez, conductor and artistic adviser at Side by silk.

Been with 5 years in a row

For the participants who have come to Gothenburg to attend the orchestra camp, the days look a little different than usual. Instead of gathering several thousand for rehearsals, there are now about 30 people per orchestra. Sofia Campoamor, 13 years old, who plays violin, has been for 5 years in a row on Side by side is one of the few participants who is actually in place in Gothenburg to play.

- Yes, the biggest difference is the number of people who attend, but otherwise the days are the same. We play, then we have a break, then we play some more, ”she says.

Everyone can join

In order to be involved it is necessary to play an orchestral instrument or to enjoy singing. There are no special selections. The camp is run in collaboration with El Sistema, which was developed in Venezuela in the 1970s.

"It's fun to spread this message of love and community around the world, and digital can of course be part of it," said Ron Davis Alvarez.