Meet the musicians: August Schieldrop
interview
C
Concert Creator28. April 2025
Welcome to our interview relay with musicians from the classical music scene! Today, we have the pleasure of presenting August Schieldrop. He works as a tubist. Here, he shares his thoughts on classical music and recommends upcoming concerts for both newcomers and seasoned concertgoers!
Name, instrument, and profession?
August Schieldrop, tuba, soloist and chamber musician
What are you working on currently?
Skogstad's Tuba Concerto!
Most overrated composer or piece?
Haydn
On the other hand… which music should everyone really experience?
Music by Aleksandr Scriabin; he has written some masterpieces!
Your most recent memorable concert experience—what made it special?
I play many concerts and also attend a lot of them, so it’s difficult to choose. However, some of my favorite projects are the concerts I perform with Ensemble Forte, the chamber group I play in! Already looking forward to the summer concerts :)
Which living composer inspires you the most, and why?
Harald Ramm Haugland. He's both the most talented composer I have ever met and one of the most talented musicians I have played with. I believe he will be regarded as one of the greatest Norwegian composers of all time.
Can you recall one specific event or experience that made you decide to pursue music professionally?
When I realized I wanted to become a musician, I already knew deep down that this was always what I had wanted. I've always loved practicing and playing with others.
Do you have any role models? Anyone who has been particularly motivating or inspiring to you?
Tine Thing Helseth, Jens Bjørn-Larsen, and Christian Lindberg
Do you have any advice for "new listeners" who are curious about classical music and rarely attend concerts?
Go to a live concert! Classical music is much better experienced live!
Any upcoming concerts you would recommend?
I will be playing at the gala concert for the Brass Band European Championships at Stavanger Concert Hall on May 10. It’s hard to find a better audience than this, so I'm really looking forward to it!
Minister for classical music in Norway for one day—what would you do?
Allow serving and drinking beverages during concerts.
Name one thing not many people know about you.
I think boiled potatoes are the most boring thing in the world. Give me baked, roasted, fried, or any other preparation method instead.
What do you like to do to relax when you're not playing or practicing? Do you have any special hobbies?
Love playing tennis, chess, and other games.
What misconceptions do you think people have about classical music or musicians performing it?
That classical music is one single genre. Classical music spans hundreds of years and consists of many different genres. Classical music is more a collective term for all art music genres rather than a genre in itself.
Concert attire: Formal or casual?
Formal!
Applauding between movements: For or against?
FOR!!
Finally—who do you want to pass the baton to next?
Ludvig Gudim!