Meet the musicians: Hedvig Haugerud
interview
L
Live Klassisk28. June 2024
Welcome to our interview relay with musicians from the classical music scene! Today we have the pleasure of presenting Hedvig Haugerud. She works as a soprano. Here she shares her thoughts on classical music and recommends upcoming concerts for both new and experienced concertgoers!
Name, voice and profession?
Hedvig Haugerud, freelance opera singer, young dramatic soprano.
What are you doing at the moment?
I have rehearsal time off! Which my boss (me) has agreed to. But it's probably going to drive me crazy soon.
What music should everyone really get to experience?
The Tannhäuser overture played in Wagner's own opera house in Bayreuth. Not just for geeks, rich people and the rest of the elite!
Your last big concert experience - what made it so special?
Beyoncé Renaissance World Tour. We are blessed to be living in the same time as this extraordinary artist.
Which living composer inspires you the most and why?
My friend the opera singer/composer Mathias Monrad Møller, who writes humorously, skillfully and freely for both voices and bodies and machines.
Can you remember a single event or experience that made you want to become a musician?
When I was diagnosed with vocal nodules on both vocal cords, I realized how important it was for me to become a singer. I realized how inhibited I felt without singing and had no doubts when I started the long rehabilitation that lay ahead of me.
Do you have any role models? Is there anyone who has been particularly motivating or inspiring to you?
Susanna Eken, my teacher, is the one who helped me through my voice problems, and without her I wouldn't be a singer today. Her knowledge, sensitivity and care give my work context and meaning.
What does a typical rehearsal day look like for you as a singer?
If I'm not in production or rehearsal, it's all about rehearsing, translating, learning lyrics, rehearsing repertoire, doing administrative work and physical training. I like the fact that freelance days are never the same.
What is the biggest difference between performing as a singer and being an instrumentalist, in your opinion?
That as a singer, your whole body and being should tell all kinds of people's stories, and you should be believed.
What do you feel are the biggest challenges of being a singer?
For me, with my big, heavy voice, it's waiting to mature. Most likely, I'll be at my peak in 10-15 years.
And what's the best thing about being a singer?
Being an important part of something that is bigger than us, that no one can explain, and that everyone can enjoy.
Do you have any advice for "new listeners" who are curious about classical music and don't go to concerts very often?
Don't think that your opinion and experience doesn't count! There are all kinds of people who are the target group. Good classical music is emotional and says something about being human, regardless of class and background. So don't be ashamed if you don't like it, but don't give up either!
What misconceptions do you think people have about classical music or the musicians who perform it?
Unfortunately, I think a lot of people believe that opera singers are born good and that it's not a long project to develop their abilities and art.
Clapping between movements: for or against?
If you want to show your enthusiasm without interrupting, you're always welcome!
Any upcoming concerts you would recommend?
Die Tote Stadt at Bergen National Opera in November, where I'm covering the female lead! Staged by the world-renowned controversial director Calixto Bieito.
Otherwise, I'm looking forward to conductor Joana Mallwitz coming to OFO in January.
Finally, who would you challenge to take over the baton?
Sigurd Greve, oboist! A wonderful musician and man.