Welcome to our interview series with musicians from the classical music scene. Today we are delighted to introduce Eirik B. Haaland, principal horn of Trondheim Symfoniorkester & Opera. After a period of paternity leave, Eirik is back on stage and shares his thoughts on the world of music, recommending upcoming concerts you won't want to miss.
Name, profession & instrument
Eirik B. Haaland, musician, principal horn of Trondheim Symfoniorkester & Opera
What are you working on at the moment?
I've just come back from several months of paternity leave, so the last few weeks have been about getting going again and finding my form. Beyond that, I'm working on small and large things coming up over the season, including producing and organising a gala concert for professor emerita Frøydis Ree Wekre. And I'm off to London to play in a couple of weeks. So there's plenty to keep me busy at the moment!
Most overrated composer or piece?
As a horn player I have to say Bagatelle by Neuling, a piece used at a great many auditions. At the same time, I really try to keep an open mind and find a lot of interest in most music.
And at the other end... which music should everyone really get to experience?
The music of Richard Strauss! It gives me an incredible amount, both as a performer and as a listener.
Your most recent great concert experience - what made it so special?
When I played principal horn with the Berlin Philharmonic for the first time this spring. What an orchestra, what a hall, what an alert audience. It truly felt like being a small part of something big.
Do you have any advice for “new listeners” who are curious about classical music and don't go to concerts very often?
Surrender yourself to the music and find out what it means to you. There is no right or wrong in how your experience turns out.
Any upcoming concerts you would recommend?
14/9, 1930 at Byscenen in Trondheim: Bergakungen and The Firebird with Luftforsvarets Musikkorps and Peter Szilvay. An exciting programme with a newly arranged Firebird suite. I'm really sorry that I can't attend this concert myself!
16/9, at 14: Gala concert for Frøydis Ree Wekre, at Norges Musikkhøskole in Oslo. Renowned horn players are coming from Norway and abroad to pay tribute to the former professor at NMH. You won't want to miss this!
24/9-1/10: The crew behind Trondheim Kammermusikkfestival have once again put together an exciting week of chamber music. There are plenty of treats here, in both large and small formats. Warmly recommended!
Finally - who would you like to challenge to take over the baton?
Edvard Erdal!
