[imagesource:youtube/screenshot]

A classical music festival in Copenhagen, Denmark, kicked off the event with an unusually fluffy addition to its orchestra – three trained dogs.

Bizarrely enough, the addition of the canine instrumentalists is not a new adjustment to the piece but was written into the music in the 1700’s.

The inspiration behind inviting the doggo stars to perform stems from the desire to honour the wishes of the renowned classical composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The composer’s father, Leopold Mozart, had envisioned a symphony accompanied by the melodious ‘baying of hounds’, a testament to his deep appreciation for the musicality of our furry friends.

Easier said than done though, as the right puppers had to be sourced through stringent auditions. I know my own beloved ‘pavement special’ pup would probably bark at the wrong times, pee on a double-bass and go look for a snack – not an ideal candidate.

After meticulous auditions, the spotlight finally shone on three extraordinary dogs – Cookie, Sophus, and Sica. The three amigos were chosen not just for their barking abilities but also for their exceptional discipline.

Rehearsal footage has captured the delightful participation of the three canine stars in the rendition of the ‘Hunting Symphony’, a lesser-known masterpiece composed by Leopold Mozart.

The mastermind behind this unique musical ensemble is none other than the Danish festival’s chief conductor, Adam Fischer. Fischer worked tirelessly over the course of three months with the help of dog trainers to fine-tune the new musicians’ barking skills so that they would harmonise seamlessly with the orchestra’s performance.

The true challenge was not getting the perfectly-pitched howls though, but rather maintaining perfect silence amongst the pack during the remainder of the symphony, a testament to their remarkable self-control and training.

As the festival opened its doors, the audience was treated to an enchanting performance that seamlessly blended the world of classical music with the charming melodies of man’s best friend. Good doggies – a biscuit for each of ya. Who said you need opposable thumbs to be in an orchestra?

Hold for a-paws!

[source:bbc]