Meet the musicians: Åsmund Moen
interview
L
Live Klassisk3 min read|14. November 2023
Welcome to our interview relay with musicians from the classical music scene! Today we have the pleasure of presenting Åsmund Moen, who was nominated by Mari Lille Haugen in the previous round. He is principal percussionist with Arktisk Filharmoni. Here he shares his thoughts on classical music and recommends upcoming concerts for both new and experienced concertgoers!
Name, instrument and profession
Åsmund Moen, Percussion, Principal percussionist with Arktisk Filharmoni
What are you up to at the moment?
I have just completed this autumn's big project for my part, namely being soloist with the Kringkastingsorkesteret! It was a real treat! Now it's preparation for the rest of the autumn here at Arktisk Filharmoni, as well as planning other projects.
Most overrated composer or piece?
Very difficult to answer, but with a knife to my throat I'd say Brahms.
And at the opposite end... which music should everyone really get to experience?
I think everyone should experience all music! But I can mention a couple of personal favourites, which are The Miraculous Mandarin by Bela Bartok, Persephassa by Iannis Xenakis and Mahler's 3rd Symphony.
Your latest big concert experience - what made it so special?
As a performer I have to say it was 1 November this year, when I got to be soloist with KORK and play Joseph Schwantner's Percussion Concerto. Incredibly inspiring to stand in front of such a good orchestra and be so well looked after before, during and after the concert. Also great fun to fill the big studio with drums!
Can you remember a single event or experience that made you want to pursue a career as a musician?
I can't. I was always going to be either a footballer, a ski jumper or a drummer, and then nature just took its course. I can, however, remember the first time I got to play with a youth symphony orchestra, and I got hooked on classical music after that. I was 14 years old, I think.
Do you have any role models? Is there anyone who has been particularly motivating or inspiring to you?
All the musicians I meet and get to play with inspire me, but I must single out one of my teachers at the academy of music, Kjell Tore Innervik, who always inspires and motivates through conversation and his playing!
Do you have any advice for «new listeners» who are curious about classical music and don't go to concerts very often?
Classical music is presented in many different venues today, so I would encourage everyone not to judge classical music on the basis of a single concert, but to seek out orchestral concerts, chamber music concerts, pub concerts and so on. There is an incredibly diverse selection around the country!
Any upcoming concerts you would like to recommend?
I can recommend Arktisk Filharmoni's concerts in Tromsø (30 Nov) and Bodø (1 Dec), where we play a suite from The Firebird by Stravinsky, Ma mère l’Oye by Ravel and Märchentänze for Violin and Orchestra by Thomas Adés.
KORK's concert marathon on 10 November looks very exciting and is recommended!
Finally - who would you like to challenge to take over the baton?
Anders Krøger, composer and radio host of the programme «Jazzer om klassisk» on Radio Nova.