Meet the musicians: Kaja Marie Andersen
interview
L
Live Klassisk20. September 2024
Welcome to our interview relay with musicians from the classical music scene! Today, we have the pleasure of presenting Kaja Marie Andersen. She works as the principal flutist in the Aalborg Symphony Orchestra . Here, she shares her thoughts on classical music and recommends upcoming concerts for both new and experienced concertgoers!
Name, instrument, and profession?
Kaja Marie Andersen, principal flutist in the Aalborg Symphony Orchestra.
What are you working on at the moment?
Aalborg Chamber Music Festival! It's being held for the first time this weekend, and I'm a co-founder! I'm excited and really looking forward to it.
Most overrated composer or work?
Oh, that's a tough one. Feels like no matter what you answer here, it's wrong. But we've played the overture from "Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg" probably 10 times since I started my job a little over two years ago. I don't know if it's generally an overrated piece, but it certainly is here in Aalborg! Not the most exciting flute part there, I must say...
Your last great concert experience – what made it so special (either as a performer or as an audience member)?
Lise Davidsen as Salome at the opera in Paris in May was a pretty wild experience I won't forget anytime soon.
Can you remember a single event or experience that made you want to become a musician?
When I was 13 years old, I played in a three-person orchestra for "Oliver Twist," which my local culture school, Skien Kulturskole, led. We played intensely for several months with a tour and everything, and I was just so happy. Made friends for life and realized that it was both possible and very tempting to become a musician.
Do you have any role models? Is there anyone who has been particularly motivating or inspiring for you?
My uncle Arild, who was one of the reasons I started playing the flute in the first place. He has been my flute teacher, and he has also always been one of my greatest supporters.
Do you have any advice for "new listeners" who are curious about classical music and don't go to concerts that often?
Give it a chance! Go to a concert and read a bit about the pieces beforehand; it becomes more interesting, and you'll certainly understand so much more!
Are there any upcoming concerts you would recommend?
Bartók's violin concerto and Symphonie fantastique with Joshua Weilerstein, Ning Feng, and the Aalborg Symphony Orchestra on October 10th at Musikkens Hus. Great program, which can also be heard later on "Sticky Notes," the podcast of our chief conductor Joshua Weilerstein!
Mention something that not many people know about you?
Have only been on the main stage at the opera in Oslo once. That was for a concert with Jethro Tull! Don't even like that band...
What do you like to do to relax when you're not playing or practicing? Do you have any special hobbies?
I knit! And drink wine. Going to a sauna session the morning after a concert is a good life hack! I'm also an avid shopaholic constantly trying to have a shopping ban. Not going so well, I can reveal.
Attire for concerts: formal or casual?
Formal, without a doubt! I think there's something beautiful about putting on nice clothes and making concerts a truly special event.
Applauding between movements: For or against?
For! I think it's really liberating when the audience allows themselves to do that!
Finally, whom would you like to challenge to take over the relay?
My good friend and the fantastic musician Zach Hatcher; he's always doing something new and exciting!