Welcome to our interview relay with musicians from the classical music scene! Today we have the pleasure of presenting Vilde Alme, who was nominated in the previous round. She works as a cellist and freelancer in Norway. Here she shares her thoughts on classical music and recommends upcoming concerts for both new and experienced concertgoers!
Name, instrument and profession (or place of work or study)?
Vilde Alme, cello, freelancer.
What are you doing at the moment?
This week I was in OFO, and I'm also preparing for auditions.
Most overrated composer or piece?
Bruckner.
And on the opposite end... what music should everyone really get to experience?
Beethoven's late string quartets, Schelomo by Bloch and Metamorphosen for septet by Strauss.
Your last big concert experience - what made it so special?
Gjermund Larsen Trio, the release concert for their latest album Tøyen Sessions. The music is indescribably beautiful, and the atmosphere at his concerts is so relaxed and personal - I think we can be inspired in our classical genre.
Which living composer inspires you the most and why?
Peteris Vasks and Philip Glass, largely because of their compositions for cello and chamber music (Vasks' piano quartet and The Book for cello, Glass' string quartets).
Can you remember a single event or experience that made you want to become a musician?
Dag Øystein Berger, who later became my high school teacher, was present at a concert where I played Kol Nidrei by Bruch. Afterwards he asked me if I wanted to pursue music. I have always known that I wanted to be a musician, but at that moment it felt like I was serious for the first time. He explained to me what I needed to work on to get there and offered to help me. Without him, I probably wouldn't be where I am today.
Do you have any role models? Is there anyone who has been particularly motivating or inspiring for you?
My teachers Dag Øystein Berger, Lars-Inge Bjärlestam, Ole Eirik Ree and Bjørg Lewis. They are completely different cellists and musicians, but each in their own way have been fantastic motivators. Pieter Wispelwey has also always been a great inspiration. His interpretations and recordings of the Bach suites, Beethoven sonatas, Britten suites and the great concertos such as Haydn, Shostakovich and Dvorak have been my absolute greatest inspiration.
Do you have any advice for "new listeners" who are curious about classical music and don't go to concerts very often?
Start with a chamber music concert or a smaller ensemble, look for concerts outside the main stages where there is a more intimate atmosphere and you get closer to the musicians. A symphony orchestra or opera can often be overwhelming, there are so many impressions to take in at once if you're not used to it. It can also be nice to hear a recording of the music before you go to a concert.
Any upcoming concerts you would recommend?
Ensemble Allegria with Sonoko Miriam Welde on April 12 at Sentralen. The concert is part of the concert series NOW, and the program at this concert is fantastic - worth attending.
Finally, who would you challenge to take over the baton?
Andres Maurette O'Brien.
