Meet the Musicians: Hedvig Haugerud
interview
L
Live Klassisk3 min read|28. June 2024
Welcome to our interview relay with musicians from the classical music scene! Today we have the pleasure of presenting Hedvig Haugerud. She works as a soprano. Here she shares her thoughts on classical music and recommends upcoming concerts for both new and experienced concertgoers!
Name, voice type and profession
Hedvig Haugerud, freelance opera singer, young dramatic soprano.
What are you working on at the moment?
I have time off from rehearsals! As my boss (me) has agreed. But I will probably go mad from it soon.
Which music should everyone really get to experience?
The Tannhäuser overture played in Wagner's own opera house in Bayreuth. Not only for the nerds, the rich and the rest of the elite!
Your most recent great concert experience - what made it so special?
Beyoncé's Renaissance World Tour. We are blessed to live in the same era as this utterly extraordinary artist.
Which living composer inspires you most, and why?
My friend the opera singer/composer Mathias Monrad Møller, who writes in a humorous, skilful and liberated way for voices and bodies and machines alike.
Can you remember a single event or experience that made you want to become a musician?
When I was diagnosed with vocal nodules on both vocal cords, I understood how important it was to me to be a singer. I realised how held back I felt without singing, and did not doubt myself when I began the long rehabilitation that lay ahead of me.
Do you have any role models? Has anyone been especially motivating or inspiring for you?
Susanna Eken, my teacher, is the one who helped me through the voice problems, and without her I would not be a singer today. Her knowledge, sensuality and care give my work context and meaning.
What does a typical practice day look like for you as a singer?
If I am not in a production or at a rehearsal, it is a matter of doing exercises, translating, learning text, studying repertoire, doing administrative work and physical training. I really like that freelance days are never the same.
What do you think is the biggest difference between performing as a singer and being an instrumentalist?
That as a singer your whole body and being must tell the stories of all kinds of people, and you must be believed.
What do you see as the greatest challenges of being a singer?
For me, with my big, heavy voice, it is waiting to mature. Most likely I will be at my peak in 10-15 years.
And what is the best thing about being a singer?
Being an important part of something that is bigger than us, that no one can explain, and that everyone can enjoy.
Do you have any advice for «new listeners» who are curious about classical music and do not go to concerts very often?
Do not think that your opinion and experience do not count! All kinds of people are the target audience. Good classical music is emotional, and tells us something about being human, regardless of class and background. So do not be ashamed if you do not like it, but do not give up either!
What misconceptions do you think people have about classical music or the musicians who perform it?
I unfortunately think that many believe that opera singers are born good, and that it is not a long project to develop the skills and the art.
Clapping between movements: for or against?
If you wish to show enthusiasm, without interrupting, you are always welcome!
Any upcoming concerts you would like to recommend?
Die Tote Stadt at Bergen Nasjonale Opera in November, where I am cover for the female lead! Staged by the world-famous controversial director Calixto Bieito.
Otherwise I am looking forward to the conductor Joana Mallwitz coming to OFO in January.
Finally - who would you like to challenge to take over the baton?
Sigurd Greve, oboist! A lovely musician and man.