Welcome to our interview series with musicians from the classical music scene. Today we have the pleasure of presenting Eirik B. Haaland, solo horn player in Trondheim Symphony Orchestra & Opera. After a period of paternity leave, Eirik is back on stage and shares his thoughts with us about the world of music and recommends upcoming concerts you don't want to miss.
Name, profession & instrument
Eirik B. Haaland, musician, solo horn player in Trondheim Symphony Orchestra & Opera
What are you doing at the moment?
I've just returned from several months of paternity leave, so the last few weeks have been about getting back into shape and finding my form. In addition to this, I'm working on small and big things that are coming up during the season, including producing and organising a gala concert for Professor Emerita Frøydis Ree Wekre. And I'm going to London to play in a couple of weeks. So there's plenty to keep me busy these days!
Most overrated composer or piece?
As a horn player, I would have to answer Bagatelle by Neuling, a piece that is used in a lot of auditions. At the same time, I really try to keep an open mind and find a lot of interesting things in most music.
And at the opposite end... what music should everyone really get to experience?
The music of Richard Strauss! It gives me so much, both as a performer and as an audience member.
Your last big concert experience - what made it so special?
When I was solo horn player in the Berlin Philharmonic for the first time this spring. What an orchestra, what a hall, and what an attentive audience! It really felt like being a small part of something big.
Do you have any advice for "new listeners" who are curious about classical music and don't go to concerts very often?
Embrace the music and find out what it means to you. There is no right or wrong with how your experience is.
Any upcoming concerts you would recommend?
14/9, at 1930 at Byscenen in Trondheim: Bergakungen and the Firebird with the Air Force Band and Peter Szilvay. Exciting programme with a newly arranged Firebird suite. I'm very sorry I can't go to this concert myself!
16/9, 2 pm: Celebration concert for Frøydis Ree Wekre, at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo. Acclaimed horn players from Norway and abroad come to pay tribute to the former professor at NMH. You won't want to miss this!
24/9-1/10: The team behind the Trondheim Chamber Music Festival has once again organised an exciting week of chamber music. There's plenty of goodies in both large and small formats. Highly recommended!
Finally - who would you challenge to take over the baton?
Edvard Erdal!