Welcome to our interview relay with musicians from the classical music scene! Today we have the pleasure of presenting Theodor Lyngstad. He works as principal cellist in Copenhagen Phil. Here he shares his thoughts on classical music and recommends upcoming concerts for both new and experienced concertgoers!
Name, instrument and profession?
Theodor Lyngstad, cello, principal cellist in Copenhagen Phil.
What are you working on now?
I'm currently preparing for the start of our Copenhagen Phil season with Bruckner's Fifth Symphony, plus the Brahms string quintet that I will play for the orchestra's chamber music series: "Halv12"
Most overrated composer or work?
Unpopular opinion: I don't like the Carl Nielsen symphonies (now I'll probably be cancelled in Denmark). They have some great energy, but are so hard to play that they are not worth the hours of practice if you ask me.
And on the opposite end... What music is underrated and should be experienced by more people?
I love the symphonies by Sibelius. They may not be underrated, but I want to play them even more!
Your last big concert experience - what made it so special (either as a performer or as an audience member)?
Det Kgl. Theatre's production of Tristan and Isolde was a big musical highlight for me this spring. The music and the orchestra gave me an experience that stayed with me for many hours. I also recently heard Augustin Hadelich and the Aarhus Symphony Orchestra play the best Tchaikovsky violin concerto I have ever heard!
Do you have any role models? Is there anyone who has been particularly motivating or inspiring to you?
All the teachers I've had from music school to the conservatoire have been supportive, positive and inspiring. I'm so grateful that they have taught me to trust myself and my musicality, rather than breaking down and imposing others' ways of playing. I hope I can pass that on too.
Do you have any advice for ‘new listeners’ who are curious about classical music and don't go to concerts very often?
Be open and curious. It's ok to find something boring or ugly, and not every concert has to be life-changing. Everyone has different tastes, but if you keep challenging your tastes, you might discover something amazing.
Are there any upcoming concerts you would recommend?
I would like to recommend Copenhagen Phil's season opener with our new Chief Conductor Cristoph Gedschold on September 20th. The programme is Bruckner and Bach with our two fantastic concertmasters Jon Gjesme and Teresa La Cour as soloists. Fantastic music, in a fantastic concert hall. It can also be heard in Roskilde on September 19th.
I myself am very much looking forward to Isabelle Faust and Alexander Melnikov playing in The Black Diamond on September 25th. Two of my absolute favourite musicians.
‘Minister of Classical Music’ in Denmark for a day - what would you do?
I would focus on the conservatoires. For music life in Denmark to continue to flourish and develop, we depend on the conservatoires being an integral part of music life and educating musicians who can fulfil and develop it. The fantastic teachers and students deserve more teaching weeks, more main subject hours and a programme that has time to take care of the individual student's needs.
Dressing for concerts: Formal or casual?
Whatever you feel like!
Clapping between movements: For or against?
-In favour! I'm always happy when the audience claps between movements. It means that there are new concertgoers in the audience and that they are happy with what they hear.
Finally, who would you challenge to take over the baton?
I would like to challenge Kaja Marie Andersen from Aalborg Symphony Orchestra
Photo: Julia Severinsen
