Playing historical instruments in an orchestra is an excellent chance for a musician to develop the basic skills needed: there one learns the art of strict but flexible timing, intonation which is precise yet corrected in every moment, and the art of paying attention at all times.
The early music orchestra, small in numbers, is not the well-oiled machine it became in the nineteenth century. The reduced size allows for exchanges and sharing of excitement, skills, and enthusiasm.
It is necessary to play in a baroque orchestra in order to understand baroque music. Places where this kind of experimentation is possible are very rare. The Conservatoire royal de Bruxelles offers its students the chance to regularly enjoy this exciting and very educational experience.