Meet the Musicians: Stefan Ibsen Zlatanos
interview
L
Live Klassisk3 min read|10. September 2024
Welcome to our interview relay with musicians from the classical music scene! Today we are delighted to introduce Stefan Ibsen Zlatanos. He works as a pianist. Here he shares his thoughts on classical music and recommends upcoming concerts for both new and experienced concertgoers!
Name, instrument and profession?
Stefan Ibsen Zlatanos, trained pianist, and like most pianists I am also a musical jack-of-all-trades! I have studied and work a little at the academy of music.
What are you working on at the moment?
Some exciting world premieres (keep an eye out!) and rehearsing Christmas repertoire for Homofonien and Nesodden sangkor. Then I am going to be a witch in a children's show.
Most overrated composer or piece?
Most things are probably highly regarded for a reason, but I do not need to hear that Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen much more.
And at the opposite end… which music should everyone really get to experience?
Manos Hadjidakis, who would have turned 100 next year! He is simply a tone artist who put Greece on the map and who manages to reach everyone.
Your latest great concert experience – what made it so special?
It was Mahler's Symphony No. 2 at Den Norske Opera og Ballett. It was so nice to experience this music as a pure audience member again.
Which living composer inspires you most, and why?
Marcus Paus (whose works I am also going to premiere in September)
Can you remember a single event or experience that made you want to pursue a career as a musician?
Mum says that the first word I learned to say was “Bach”, so maybe it was somewhat written in the stars? She had Wendy Carlos’ Bach cassette in the car.
Do you have any role models? Is there anyone who has been particularly motivating or inspiring for you?
Rameau. He carried on in a heavy Baroque style while everyone else had moved over into the Rococo. It is inspiring to have diehards!
Do you have any advice for “new listeners” who are curious about classical music and do not go to concerts very often?
The Magic Flute is a string of pearls and scares nobody away from classical music.
Any upcoming concerts you would recommend?
- I would recommend The Waves at Oslo Operafestival. I am taking part in it myself.
- In Sandefjord, among others, Tora Augestad, Ellen Bødtker and I will perform Marcus Paus’ Requieum on 19 October
- Do also catch Homofonien's Christmas concert, where there will be a Christmassy atmosphere and a raffle and surprises! A fun full evening. I make my debut as a choreographer on some of the songs. 7 December.
Minister for classical music in Norway for a day – what would you do?
I would make sure that Wagner's Meistersinger was staged at the Opera, as was planned before the pandemic! I understand that it is expensive, but it is worth it.
Name one thing not many people know about you?
I am left-handed, I am interested in cooking, and I have also been a substitute judge on the Eurovision expert jury
What do you like to do to relax when you are not playing or practising? Do you have any special hobbies?
Cooking!
What misconceptions do you think people have about classical music or the musicians who perform it?
That it is stiff and uptight.
Concert attire: dressed up or casual?
Personally I actually perform better if I am wearing a shirt, but I am in favour of a casual style.
Applause between movements: for or against?
Definitely applaud between the movements!
Finally – who would you like to challenge to take over the baton?
Espen Leite, who plays the accordion.
Photo: Yngve Vogt
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