Welcome to our series of interviews with musicians from the classical music scene. Today we have the pleasure of presenting Edvard Erdal, violinist in the string quartet Opus 13 and 2nd concertmaster at the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet. He shares his thoughts on classical music and recommends upcoming concerts for both new and experienced concertgoers!
Name, instrument and profession
Edvard Erdal, violinist in Opus13 and concertmaster 2 in the Opera Orchestra.
What are you doing these days?
We're currently in a hectic period with the quartet, working on a lot of repertoire at the same time, both new and old, for festivals and concerts in the coming weeks. In addition, the premiere of a new production of La Traviata at the Opera is coming up.
What music should everyone really get to experience?
Beethoven's late string quartets.
Do you have any advice for "new listeners" who are curious about classical music and don't go to concerts very often?
Give the music more than one chance. As a professional performer, I still often need a few chances before I like a new piece of music, simply because the music is so complex that it requires some processing and maturing. So it goes without saying that someone who perhaps doesn't listen to much classical music needs a few chances with a new piece of music before it really appeals to them.
Minister of Classical Music in Norway for one day - what would you do?
I would introduce a subject in early primary school where students are exposed to classical music in various ways, mainly through listening. A lot of classical music is complex and demanding, and it may not be as easy to like as a four-chord pop song, but I'm absolutely convinced that everyone becomes richer with access to the classical music universe, you just need a little help to discover it.
Your last big concert experience - what made it so special?
After two busy weeks of concerts and festivals with the quartet this summer, we were going to end with a lunchtime concert at a festival in Åland. It was actually a fairly casual concert where we were playing Mendelssohn's String Quartet Op. 13, and I was actually tired, weary and really ready for a few days off, but when we started playing I was suddenly very seized by the moment. I don't know if I can put into words why, but it was a very special half hour where I lost track of time and place.
Any upcoming concerts you would recommend?
My quartet Opus13 has its University Aula debut at the Aula series on 24 September. We'll be playing Schubert's "Death and the Maiden", a quartet I've dreamed of playing with Opus13 ever since we started playing together.
