Meet the musicians: Åsmund Moen
interview
L
Live Klassisk14. November 2023
Welcome to our interview relay with musicians from the classical music scene! Today we have the pleasure of presenting Åsmund Moen, who was nominated by Mari Lille Haugen in the previous round. He is the solo percussionist in Arktisk Filharmoni. Here he shares his thoughts on classical music and recommends upcoming concerts for both new and experienced concertgoers!
Name, instrument and profession
Åsmund Moen, Percussion, Solo percussionist in Arctic Philharmonic
What are you working on at the moment?
I've recently completed my big project for the fall, namely being a soloist with the Norwegian Broadcasting Orchestra! It was great fun! Now I'm preparing for the rest of the fall here in the Arctic Philharmonic, as well as planning other projects.
Most overrated composer or piece?
Very difficult to answer, but with a gun to my head, I would say Brahms.
And on the opposite end... what music should everyone really get to experience?
I think everyone should experience all music! But I can mention a couple of personal favorites, which are The Miraculous Mandarin by Bela Bartok, Persephassa by Iannis Xenakis and Mahler's 3rd Symphony.
Your last big concert experience - what made it so special?
As a performer, I have to say that it was on November 1 this year when I got to be a soloist with KORK and play Joseph Schwantner's Percussion Concerto. It was incredibly inspiring to stand in front of such a great orchestra and to be so well looked after before, during and after the concert. It was also great fun to fill a large studio with drums!
Can you remember a single event or experience that made you want to become a musician?
I can't. I was always going to be either a soccer player, ski jumper or drummer, and then nature just took its course. However, I can remember the first time I got to play with a youth symphony orchestra, and I got hooked on classical music after that. I was 14 years old, I think.
Do you have any role models? Is there anyone who has been particularly motivating or inspiring for you?
All the musicians I meet and play with inspire me, but I must highlight one of my teachers at the Academy of Music, Kjell Tore Innervik, who always inspires and motivates through conversation and his playing!
Do you have any advice for "new listeners" who are curious about classical music and don't go to concerts very often?
Classical music is presented in many different arenas today, so I would encourage everyone not to judge classical music based on one concert, but to seek out orchestral concerts, chamber music concerts, pub concerts, etc. There is an incredibly diverse selection around the country!
Any upcoming concerts you would recommend?
I can recommend the Arctic Philharmonic Orchestra's concerts in Tromsø (Nov 30) and Bodø (Dec 1), where we'll be playing the suite from The Firebird by Stravinsky, Ma mere L'oye by Ravel and Märchentänze for Violin and Orchestra by Thomas Adés.
KORK's concert marathon on November 10 looks very exciting and is highly recommended!
Finally - who would you challenge to take over the baton?
Anders Krøger, composer and radio host in the program "Jazzer om klassisk" on Radio Nova.