The story of 'Qui Vive'

A cold day in December 1848, five students from the Technical University Delft decided to establish a salon orchestra. The Delft Student Salon Orchestra was born. Soon the band played throughout Europe. Their playing style was heard in Barcelona, Prague, Florence, Stockholm, but also on the ships of the Holland-America Line. There are even whispers of a performance at the legendary Titanic, but many say at that time they were on tour in Vienna.

When the First World Wat commenced, the then members of the orchestra went to the front to serve their patriotic duty. An old violin, which yearned to be played on again, was left in Delft…

Tragically only the heroic cellist returned from the war, and decided not to play anymore out of respect fot his fallen brothers.

It was only in the year 1981, again a cold December night, when Mr. Arne Theil found a small package In the Apollo Room, where for many years the muses are caressed with musical sounds. This package contained the music ‘Qui Vive’ had been playing, along with a violin which was left behind when the orchestra moved to the front. A little mouse, nibbling the violin, could get away just in time.

One song, “Das Lied vom Scheiden” got to him un such an emotional way with its catchy melody that he decided to reinvigorate “Qui Vive”.

“Qui Vive” since then always plays, to life itself…