Meet the musicians: Elisabeth Teige
interview
C
Concert Creator30. January 2025
Welcome to our interview relay with musicians from the classical music scene! Today, we are delighted to present Elisabeth Teige. She works as a soprano, and here, she shares her thoughts on classical music and recommends upcoming concerts for both new and experienced concertgoers!
Name, voice type, and profession?
Elisabeth Teige, freelance opera singer, soprano.
What are you working on at the moment?
Preparations for my debut at Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona, where I will sing Elsa in Lohengrin (R. Wagner).
Most overrated composer or piece?
There is both good and bad music. But music also has a subjective side, meaning that personal taste plays a big role in how music is perceived. When a composer is generally highly regarded, it is because they create or have created great music—but also because their music resonates with many people’s personal preferences. Since this individual, personal experience of music is so crucial, it doesn’t really make sense to talk about whether a composer is generally overrated.
If there is a significant gap between the objective quality of a composer’s music and how highly they are regarded, it ultimately comes down to personal preference—taste—and this can go in either direction.
The question, as I interpret it, is really whether there is a highly regarded composer who doesn’t align with my personal taste. And I must admit that Bach has never really resonated with me.
And on the opposite end… what music should everyone experience?
We all have our favorite music. Find the music that makes you happy and brightens your day. But now, I’m going to be a bit of a classical-music patriot:
If you want to dream away for a while—listen to Clair de Lune (Debussy).
If you need some energy for your weekend cleaning—put on Act 3 of Die Walküre (Richard Wagner). That will get the mop moving!
And if you’re angry at your boss on a Monday morning—listen to the finale of Elektra (Richard Strauss) when you get home.
Music helps with everything!
Your last great concert experience—what made it so special?
I went to see the Fagottkoret (Bassoon Choir) Christmas concert in December. I had wanted to experience them live for a long time, but I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. It turned out to be an unforgettable experience. They showcased a great sense of humor, but also made space for reflection. I both laughed and was moved to tears. I think this will become an annual tradition!
Which living composer inspires you the most, and why?
Susanne Sundfør keeps surprising me. There’s something magical about what she creates. Ten Love Songs is my all-time favorite album, and I can listen to it no matter my mood.
Can you recall a single event or experience that made you want to pursue music as a career?
My path into singing was a bit unconventional. I have always loved singing, but it was mostly pop and hits.
I started at the music program in Ålesund with the idea of “just singing a bit for fun” and wasn’t interested in music theory. But I had a teacher there who quickly realized I had potential for classical singing. Before long, she gave me an aria to work on. She also conducted the Ålesund Opera Choir and got me involved there.
When The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet toured with The Tales of Hoffmann (Offenbach), we were part of the chorus. I was completely blown away by Toril Carlsen, who sang all the soprano roles in a single opera. I told myself that if I ever got the chance to study opera in Oslo, I would ask her to be my vocal coach. And she did become my teacher—about eight years later.
But in the meantime, I worked for years as a fish packer and cashier before I even started studying classical singing in Trondheim.
What does a typical practice day look like for you as a singer?
Drop my child off at school and head home for coffee and the piano. Warm up gently (because it’s still early in the morning). Sing through the repertoire I’m working on, take breaks, continue, have lunch, continue.
Every day is different. Some days, I spend most of my time just understanding what I need to learn—whether it’s translating text or listening to recordings.
What do you think is the biggest difference between performing as a singer versus as an instrumentalist?
Hmm. It has to be the fact that we carry our instrument with us all the time. We can’t change a string or tighten a drumhead. We are the instrument, 24/7, and we use it constantly—for talking, laughing, sometimes crying, clearing our throat…
I also talk a lot in my sleep, so my vocal cords don’t get a break then either! Haha!
What do you see as the biggest challenges of being a singer?
Much of what I mentioned above. As a singer, you always have to be cautious.
If I’m in line at the store and someone starts coughing, I take three or four steps to the side—maybe I even leave the line entirely. Cold and flu season can be very challenging…
And what is the best part of being a singer?
One of the best things, for me personally, is that on stage, I get to express enormous emotions.
I am a deeply emotional person in my private life, and I think it’s probably a good thing for my loved ones that I can release all those emotions on stage instead.
Minister for Classical Music in Norway for one day—what would you do?
Start choirs in schools!
Name one thing not many people know about you.
I have serious submechanophobia!
What do you like to do to relax when you’re not singing or practicing? Any special hobbies?
I’m pretty good at relaxing when I can.
When I’m not working (which mostly means being abroad and away from my husband and child), I try to make up for lost time—being a mom, cooking good meals, baking, and keeping house.
I also love a clean and tidy home—I can’t stand clutter. So home life is quite busy, too. That’s why it’s great that I can unwind with a book, series, or movie.
What misconceptions do you think people have about classical music or its performers?
That classical music is boring.
But this applies mostly to those who refuse to give it a chance. Just try listening—you might discover a whole new world!
Concert attire: Formal or casual?
On stage: Formal.
As an audience member: Casual, but on the edge of formal!
Clapping between movements—yay or nay?
Nay!
Do you have any advice for "new listeners" who are curious about classical music but don’t attend concerts often?
Don’t bite off too much at once.
Listen to the music from the opera or concert beforehand so that you are somewhat familiar with it. If it’s an opera, read up on the libretto, so you know what the story is about.
The more you know in advance, the more you will get out of the experience.
Any upcoming concerts you’d like to recommend?
The Opera Academy in Oslo is full of talented singing students, and they have concerts all year round—check their website at khio.no!
Personally, I will be singing the title role in Tosca at the Norwegian National Opera in May this year. I’m really looking forward to it—I love performing at home!
Finally—who do you challenge to take over the interview relay?
Ida Løvli Hidle, accordionist.