Meet the Musicians: Ruth Wilhelmine Meyer
interview
L
Live Klassisk3 min read|12. October 2024
Welcome to our interview relay with musicians from the classical music scene! Today we have the pleasure of presenting Ruth Wilhelmine Meyer. She works as a singer and composer. Here she shares her thoughts on classical music and recommends upcoming concerts for both new and experienced concertgoers!
Name, instrument and profession?
Ruth Wilhelmine Meyer, singer and composer, based in Oslo .
What are you working on at the moment?
I am rehearsing for a concert at Parkteatret on 20 October where I will perform three of my own works with Frode Haltli, and with many wonderful musician colleagues on stage: among others Eir Indrehaug, Ernst Simon Glaser, Trio Brax, Caroline Eidsten Dahl. I am also composing a commissioned work: The hidden creation for Nordic Voice
Most overrated composer or piece?
Pass!
And at the opposite end... what music should everyone really get to experience?
Brahms: Rhapsody for alto, male chorus and orchestra. Text by Goethe. My favourite piece of all. Text and music speak so well to each other. And the content of the text is particularly thought-provoking and important.
Your most recent great concert experience - what made it so special?
Leif Ove Andsnes and Vilde Frang playing Violin Sonata No. 1 by Bela Bartok at Rosendal Kammermusikkfestival.
Which living composer inspires you most, and why?
Sofia Gubaidulina. She is a watchful mystic.
Can you remember a single event or experience that made you want to pursue a career as a musician?
I heard Ancient Voices for children by Crumb when I was 26 years old. It changed my brain. That was when I truly understood the power of music.
Do you have any role models? Is there anyone who has been especially motivating or inspiring to you?
POING inspires with their urge to create and their all-devouring music, Tora Augestad inspires with her fearlessness, skill and enormous capacity.
Do you have any advice for «new listeners» who are curious about classical music and don't go to concerts very often?
Just go, even if you hadn't planned to. If you like, you can even have a nap. Don't think you have to understand, just enjoy. What about starting with a concert with Engegårdkvartetten?
Minister for classical music in Norway for one day - what would you do?
On that day there would be outstanding performers playing in all schools in Norway.
Tell us one thing not many people know about you?
That I am a speed demon in the berry forest. :-)
What do you like to do to relax when you are not playing or practising? Do you have any special hobbies?
Then I climb the steep paths up to Grefsenkollen.(I live right next to it)
Concert attire: dressed up or casual?
You use your eyes at a concert too, so: be aware of what you are wearing in relation to the concert setting.
Clapping between movements: for or against?
Yes to spontaneous reactions at concerts.
Any upcoming concerts you would like to recommend?
The concert at Parkteatret I mentioned. So many fine musicians. A varied programme of living Norwegian composers.
Finally - who would you like to challenge to take over the baton?
Iver Bogen!
20. Oct
16:00 | 2024
Eir Inderhaug
,Lina Braaten
,Frode Haltli
,Ruth Wilhelmine Meyer
,Caroline Eidsten Dahl
,Ernst Simon Glaser
,Trio Brax
Save
Recommend
Solo/duo
Chamber music
Contemporary