Meet the Musicians: Anders Krøger
interview
L
Live Klassisk5 min read|20. November 2023
Welcome to our interview relay with musicians from the classical music scene! Today we have the pleasure of presenting Anders Krøger, who was nominated by Åsmund Moen in the previous round. He is a composer and radio host. Here he shares his thoughts on classical music and recommends upcoming concerts for both new and experienced concertgoers!
Name, instrument and profession (or place of work or study)
Anders Krøger, composer and radio host for “Jazzer om Klassisk” on Radio Nova
What are you working on at the moment?
At the moment I am composing a work for cello and piano, with the outstanding musicians Marcus Michelin and Oskar Abel Valand Halvorsen. It will be premiered on 27 January. In addition I am one of two presenters of the radio programme and podcast “Jazzer om klassisk”.
Most overrated composer or piece?
We actually had “overrated composers” as a theme on the radio programme. I had to say that I am not so much a fan of Joseph Haydn and Phillip Glass.
And at the opposite end... what music should everyone really get to experience?
I have many thoughts on this.
I think everyone should experience a Mahler symphony live once in their life. It is some of the rawest stuff you can experience, I think.
In addition I would like to highlight “Verklärte Nacht” by Arnold Schoenberg, which is one of my favourite pieces. If it is played somewhere near you, I would make sure to secure a ticket.
Your latest big concert experience - what made it so special?
In March this year I had the premiere of a new orchestral work. It was the symphony orchestra of NMH who played, under the direction of none other than Edward Gardner. I grew up playing in orchestras, and the dream has always been to write for orchestra. It was wonderful to get the opportunity, and with such a good conductor on top of it(!).
You are a composer. How would you describe a typical working day?
My working day is very varied, but it always contains music in one form or another. When I compose, it is not always the case that I am writing music. Sometimes I study other people's works, sometimes I read and sometimes I work on compositional technique. In addition I do a fair amount of research for the radio programme/podcast, which I love because I am very fond of music history.
What is the best thing about composing?
The best thing about composing is being in the flow zone: You are inspired, you have lots of ideas and all the ideas are brilliant! You picture how good the work you are writing could become. Then it's fun!
And I also think it's cool, when the piece is finished, to meet the musicians and work with the music.
What is the hardest thing about composing?
It's when you realise how bad the work you are writing could turn out...
From jest to seriousness. Contrary to what many believe, a composer does not compose only when he/she is motivated. It is hard work, and when the motivation isn't there, it is difficult to write anything at all.
In addition I am a very social person, and composing can be lonely.
Which living composer inspires you the most, and why
Until recently I would probably have answered Kaija Saariaho. She has meant a great deal to me as a composer. I was lucky enough to get to know her a little, and she taught me a lot. Sadly she died on 2 June this year.
Now I might answer Lars Petter Hagen. I think he writes very fine and poetic music.
Can you remember one single event or experience that made you want to pursue becoming a musician?
I knew quite early that I wanted to work with music. When I was quite small I spent a lot of time on Mum's PC composing in the notation program Finale. It is probably those hours that made me realise it was a composer I was going to become. The goal was to write something as good as Dvořák's 9th Symphony, which was my favourite work at the time.
Do you have any other role models? Is there anyone who has been especially motivating or inspiring for you?
I'm fond of film. Directors like Wes Anderson, Quentin Tarantino and Christopher Nolan inspire me.
Do you have advice for “new listeners” who are curious about classical music and don't go to concerts very often?
To blow my own trumpet, I would probably recommend listening to “Jazzer om klassisk”. Either live on Radio Nova at 18 on Mondays, or on the podcast, which is released everywhere you listen to pods. We try to talk in a way so that even those who are not already in the scene will enjoy it.
I think we in the classical scene would do very well to think anew about the concert format. I think “new listeners” are drawn more towards relaxed concerts than very stiff ones. I think Kammerorkesteret, Ensemble Allegria and Fram Konsertserie are good at making “chilled and cool” concerts. Go to these!
Any upcoming concerts you would like to recommend?
I have to highlight my own concert on 27 January. Here my new work for cello, piano and text will be performed in Levinsalen at Norges musikkhøgskole. It will be a large work in which text and music are interwoven. I would also recommend Oslo Sinfonietta's concert at the Opera House on 25 November, where they will play new music by Rebecca Saunders! A really cool composer.
What misconceptions do you think people have about classical music or the musicians who perform it?
The biggest misconception people have is probably that they think classical music is boring. That's wrong, it's insanely cool! The world's best music! But unfortunately I think we as a scene are partly to blame for this misconception ourselves. Often when classical music is talked about in the media, it is done in a boring way.
Concert attire: dressed up or casual?
I like it casual, to be honest. I always wear casual clothes as a concertgoer, on principle. I think it's nice when the performers are relaxed in style too.
Clapping between movements: for or against?
100% for! This is almost one of my pet causes. People should be allowed to clap if they think something is beautiful! If we are to make new people feel welcome in the concert hall, we have to stop the “clap-shaming”.
Finally - who would you like to challenge to take over the baton?
I would like to pass the baton on to Jesper Kramer-Johansen. Tubist in the Royal Norwegian Air Force Band.
Photo: Anna Berg