THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA | 2018-2019 3617
Musician Spotlight
Joseph Beverly, new clarinet/
bass clarinet
Joël Vaisse, Principal Trombone
Salut! Not only is Principal Trombone Joël Vaisse TFO’s only
Frenchman, but he’s the life of the party in the orchestra, too.
A native of Marseille, France, Joël started taking trombone
lessons at age 10 with his father, André, at the National
Conservatory of Marseille. He also has a Florida connection,
completing some of his studies at Florida State University
in Tallahassee. Before joining TFO in 2017, Joël played with
many of the top orchestras around the world, including
Orchestre National de France and Orchestre de Paris. Here
are a few more questions, to get to know the real Joël.
If you could have one composer, dead or alive, write a
trombone concerto, who would it be? Why?
Esa-Pekka Salonen for many reasons. First he’s a great
composer and his music has amazing dimension, power and
sensibility. Plus, he really knows how to use and explore the
potential of each instrument he writes for. I had the chance to
work with him a few times so far in my career, playing major
works and his own compositions, and that’s when I fell in love with his music. It is so inspiring, crazy, and
challenging to play. On top of that, he is an amazing conductor. I know it may never happen that he would
compose a concerto for me, but it’s nice to dream!
Some of your colleagues have noticed that you own a lot of skull-related clothing and jewelry.
Where did your love of skulls come from?
It’s nothing deadly or gothic. I just like the shape, and all humans have a skull in their bodies. It is the
center of everything! So many designers or artists incorporate skulls into their masterpieces such as John
Galliano, Tom Ford, Stella McCartney, Karl Lagerfeld, to name a few. Even Damien Hirst created some
sculptures involving skulls and diamonds. Or maybe it’s just my bad boy side. I don’t know!
What have you done in your life that has been the most fun?
Bungee jumping in France from a bridge! It was crazy, frightening, but so good. 100% pure adrenaline.
What do you miss about France?
My family. I have three kids living in France working in different fields. My daughter works at Hermes, my
first son is in the movie business and my second son is a winemaker. I also miss my parents, my brother
and his family, my best buddy Yan, and all of my former colleagues. In fact, I don’t really miss France itself,
I just miss my family and my friends.
What is your favorite French dish?
Pork cheeks with wild porcini marinated in white wine sauce with onions and bay leaves, which is then
cooked on the barbecue with real wood -- not charcoal or gas!