Vienna’s Vegetable Orchestra is more than just a memorable gimmick

“It’s not impossible to make music with vegetables,” declares Austrian experimental musician Susanna Gartmayer. This statement will come as no surprise to many veteran rockers, particularly those who belong to jam bands, but Gartmayer is referring not to acid casualties but to the kinds of vegetables procured from farmers’ markets. She is a member of Vienna’s famed Vegetable Orchestra, an ensemble whose instruments are fashioned entirely from vegetables, including carrots, celery, peppers, squash, and zucchini. It sounds faintly ridiculous, perhaps even the premise of an absurd comedy sketch, but Gartmayer insists that the Vegetable Orchestra is no joke. The group’s unique methods are explored in an episode of the web documentary series Great Big Story titled “Playing With Food.” The group has been at this for 17 years, and they have their methods and techniques down pat. The secret to a good Vegetable Orchestra show? Fresh vegetables, plenty of prep time, and a lengthy sound check.