Meet the musicians: Johannes Schantz
news
L
Live Klassisk26. February 2024
Welcome to our interview series with musicians from the classical music scene! Today we have the pleasure of presenting Johannes Schantz, who was nominated in the previous round. He is a violinist who works freelance in Norway and Sweden. Here he shares his thoughts on classical music and recommends upcoming concerts for both new and experienced concertgoers!
Name, instrument and profession?
My name is Johannes. I'm a violinist and freelancer!
What are you doing at the moment?
I'm doing what you usually do as a freelancer; lots of different things! I regularly substitute in the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra and try to play as much chamber music as possible. At the same time, I'm preparing for a trial week in Uppsala Kammarsoliser!
Most overrated composer or piece?
If I say that, I'll probably offend a lot of people, so I'll move on to the next question, hehe.
And on the opposite end... what music should everyone really get to experience?
Mahler's symphonies!
Your last big concert experience - what made it so special?
I was on an Asian tour with the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra in November and was given time off at one of the concerts when Janine Jansen was playing the Sibelius violin concerto. It was perhaps the best performance of Sibelius I have ever heard. Extremely virtuosic, with many spontaneous musical moments. Every concert she played during the tour had different interpretations!
Which living composer inspires you the most and why
I don't think I have a specific favorite today, but there are many works I like from composers like Ades, Hillborg, Abrahamsen, Dessner and Shaw just to name a few.
Do you have any role models? Is there anyone who has been particularly motivating or inspiring for you?
I have parents who are both musicians and I started playing the violin when I was 4 years old and never really thought about quitting. When I started I really looked up to the older students at my old school, "Lilla Akademin" in Stockholm and wanted to be as good as them. But over the years I've become very grateful for all the teachers I've had and how patient they've been with me. My big violin role models are Heifetz, Gitlis, Ferras, Jansen and my old teachers, but I can also be inspired by friends and try to learn things they are good at.
Do you have any advice for "new listeners" who are curious about classical music and don't go to concerts very often?
I think it's important to familiarize yourself with what you're about to listen to. Maybe listen through the work once if possible, or read about the work. If not, I understand that it can be difficult to find new listeners. It's a bit like watching a movie in a completely unknown language without subtitles.
Any upcoming concerts you would recommend?
I'll be giving a couple of short recitals in Oslo and Stockholm in May with a program consisting of Ravel- Sonate posthume, Rozsa- North hungarian peasant songs and dances and Ravel- Tzigane among others. It's music I really like (maybe even something for new listeners)!
Finally, who would you challenge to take over the baton?
Vilde Alme!