Welcome to our interview relay featuring musicians from the classical music scene! Today, we’re excited to present Sonoko Miriam Welde. She works as a violinist and shares her thoughts on classical music while recommending upcoming concerts for both new and experienced concertgoers!
Name, instrument, and profession?
Sonoko Miriam Welde, violin. Freelance musician, member of the string quartet Opus13, and current artistic director of the Winter Music Festival in Røros (Vinterfestspill i Bergstaden).
What kind of instrument do you play?
At the moment, I’m playing a 1736 Antonio Stradivarius, the “Spencer Dyke,” generously on loan from Anders Sveaas’ Charitable Foundation. I’m incredibly grateful for this!
What are you working on these days?
I’m performing chamber music and solo concerts here and there, preparing for next year’s Winter Music Festival in Røros, and practicing for a spring filled with quartet competitions.
Most overrated composer or piece?
Perhaps Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme. Sorry, cellists...
And on the flip side… what music should everyone experience?
Così fan tutte by Mozart. I absolutely love this music—a brilliant combination of heavenly beauty and playful humor.
Your most recent great concert experience – what made it so special?
At this year’s Stavanger Chamber Music Festival, I performed Olivier Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time for the first time. It was both incredibly stressful and deeply moving to immerse myself in Messiaen’s unique sound world. When the final note was played, I felt we had been part of something truly profound.
Can you recall a single event or experience that made you want to become a musician?
I don’t think I had one defining moment, but a formative experience was when I was 14 and studying at Barratt Due. I spent an entire year working on Schubert’s String Quintet in C major. It was my first time engaging so deeply with a chamber music piece, and I realized how exciting I found that process.
Do you have role models? Has anyone been especially motivating or inspiring for you?
I’m constantly inspired by all kinds of people, but I can mention Quatuor Ébène, Belcea Quartet, Vertavo Quartet, and Janine Jansen, who was my teacher for four years until this summer. When I started with her, I had a very strained and difficult relationship with practicing and performing. She was patient and helped me get back on my feet while demonstrating a way of making music filled with curiosity and love. This also inspired me to start teaching myself.
Do you have advice for “new listeners” curious about classical music but who don’t often attend concerts?
Try attending concerts in more relaxed and informal settings where you can get close to the music and performers. For instance, Oslo Quartet Series Sessions at Trekanten in Oslo or Kammerdrops at the café Nobel Bopel in Bergen with musicians from the Bergen Philharmonic. These are quite different from the more traditional and ceremonial concerts in larger halls (which can, of course, also be wonderful!).
Any upcoming concerts you’d recommend?
Three chamber music tips:
- January 28 at Gamle Logen, Oslo: Belcea Quartet performing Britten and Beethoven as part of the Oslo Quartet Series. Hearing this group live, with their incredible precision and musical intensity, is powerful.
- Winter Festival in Lillehammer, February 14–16: My quartet, Opus13, is hosting this festival. This year’s guest artists include Håvard Gimse, Emilie Hörnlund (Chiaroscuro Quartet), Quartett Saphir, and the Gjermund Larsen Trio.
- Winter Music Festival in Røros, March 13–16: In my second year as artistic director, I’m excited to present artists such as Sergio Tiempo, Amalie Stalheim, Sissel Kyrkjebø, and the Norwegian Radio Orchestra (KORK)!
Clapping between movements: for or against?
If it feels right and doesn’t disrupt the moment, go for it!
What do you enjoy doing to relax when you’re not playing or practicing? Any special hobbies?
I enjoy going to the theater and watching baseball from the U.S., often at completely irresponsible hours late at night due to the time difference...
Finally, who would you like to challenge to take over the interview relay?
Mezzo-soprano Tone Kummervold.