Meet the musicians: Marianne Thorsen
interview
C
Concert Creator3 min read|21. March 2025
Welcome to our interview relay with musicians from the classical music scene! Today we are delighted to introduce Marianne Thorsen. She works as a violinist. Here she shares her thoughts on classical music and recommends upcoming concerts for both new and experienced concertgoers!
Name, instrument and profession?
Marianne Thorsen, violinist, teaches at Institutt for musikk, NTNU in Trondheim.
What are you working on at the moment?
I'm practising the Dvorak sextet for strings, to be played at Vinterfestspill in Røros. We also have entrance auditions at NTNU this week, and it's always exciting to meet the string players who apply here.
Is there any music you think everyone should get to experience?
Schubert's String Quintet in C major, 2nd movement - and Bach's Chaconne...
Your most recent great concert experience - what made it so special?
Gil Shaham in Beethoven's Violin Concerto with TSO in Trondheim. Absolutely fantastic playing, energy and ability to communicate.
Can you recall a single event or experience that made you want to commit to becoming a musician?
Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I think it was my older brothers, who also played, who were decisive in making me want to play the violin, at least. Otherwise I have heard so many inspiring musicians over the years that it's hard to pick out a single experience.
Do you have any role models? Has anyone been especially motivating or inspiring to you?
When I was a student I loved listening to the great violinists; Milstein, Perlman, Stern, Ida Händel... HMV music store in London had a large selection of recordings and I was often in there.
Do you have any advice for “new listeners” who are curious about classical music and don't go to concerts very often?
Perhaps listen a little to the music that will be played beforehand so you know what to expect, and make the trip - nothing is like experiencing music as it is played/created in the moment! Or just go to a concert and let yourself be surprised by music you know nothing about! Listen to lots of different things, and you'll find out what you like.
Minister for classical music in Norway for a day - what would you do?
Free music tuition for pupils in primary school! Get more music into the school curriculum!
What do you like to do to relax when you're not playing or practising? Do you have any special hobbies?
Walking the dog (miniature schnauzer Tilly), doing something fun with the family (husband and two children), knitting, reading, cinema, concerts, good food :)
What misconceptions do you think people have about classical music or the musicians who perform it?
That we are so different and eccentric.
Concert attire: dressed up or casual?
Dressed-up casual 🙂
Clapping between movements: for or against?
For!