Welcome to our interview relay with musicians from the classical music scene! Today we have the pleasure of presenting Stefan Ibsen Zlatanos. He works as a pianist. Here he shares his thoughts on classical music and recommends upcoming concerts for both new and experienced concertgoers!
Name, instrument and profession?
Stefan Ibsen Zlatanos, trained as a pianist, and like most pianists I'm also a musical handyman! Studied and worked a bit at the music academy.
What are you working on at the moment?
Some exciting world premieres (stay tuned!) and rehearsing a Christmas repertoire for Homofonien and Nesodden Choir. Then I'm going to be a witch in a children's performance.
Most overrated composer or piece?
Most things are highly rated for a reason, but I don't need to hear that Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen much more.
And at the other end of the spectrum... what music should everyone really get to experience?
Manos Hadjidakis, who would have been 100 years old next year! He's simply a sound artist who put Greece on the map and manages to reach everyone.
Your last major concert experience - what made it so special?
It was Mahler's 2nd Symphony at the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet. It was so nice to experience this music in the audience again.
Which living composer inspires you the most, and why?
Marcus Paus (who I will also be premiering works by in September)
Can you remember a single event or experience that made you want to become a musician?
My mum says that the first word I learnt to say was ‘Bach’, so maybe it was in the cards? She had Wendy Carlos' Bach cassette in the car.
Do you have any role models? Is there anyone who has been particularly motivating or inspiring to you?
Rameau. He continued with a heavy Baroque style while everyone else had moved into Rococo. It's inspiring with stubborn people!
Do you have any advice for ‘new listeners’ who are curious about classical music and don't go to concerts very often?
The Magic Flute is a string of gems and doesn't scare anyone away from classical music.
Any upcoming concerts you would recommend?
I would recommend The Waves during the Oslo Opera Festival. In Sandefjord, Tora Augestad, Ellen Bødtker and I will be performing Marcus Paus' Requieum on 19 OctoberFeel free to come along to Homofonien's Christmas concert too, where there will be a Christmas spirit, a lottery and surprises! A fun-filled evening. I'll be making my debut as a choreographer on some songs. December 7th!
Minister for classical music in Norway for one day - what would you do?
I would make sure that Wagner Meistersinger is staged at the Opera, as was planned before the pandemic! I realise it's expensive, but it's worth it.
Name one thing not many people know about you?
I'm left-handed, I'm interested in cooking, and I've also been a deputy judge on the Eurovision jury.
What do you like to do to relax when you're not playing or rehearsing? Do you have any special hobbies?
Cooking!
What misconceptions do you think people have about classical music or musicians who perform it?
That it's stiff and uptight.
Concert attire: Uptight or casual?
Personally, I actually perform better if I'm wearing a shirt, but I'm in favour of casual style.
Clapping between movements: for or against?
Definitely clap between the movements!
Finally, who would you challenge to take over the baton?
Espen Leite, who plays the accordion.
Photo: Yngve Vogt