Eivind Aadland Photo: Alastair Bett
Norwegian Eivind Aadland began his professional career as a violinist, but when he started leading ensembles he released he needed to learn how to wield the baton as well as the bow. The more time he spent with the former, the less satisfied he became with his prowess on the latter, until he decided to concentrate on conducting.
Aadland, who is in Aotearoa to conduct the Auckland Philharmonia, spoke to Bryan Crump about championing music from Norway, or if not Norway, music from its Nordic neighbours.
For example, one of the pieces on the bill for his Auckland concert is a piece by the Swedish composer, Andrea Tarrodi: Lucioles (or Fireflies). Aadland told Bryan he hasn't seen any fireflies in Norway, but he did wax lyrical on the joys of Norway's long summer days, and his love of art - when not conducting, Aadland is often looking to add to his extensive contemporary collection.
Along with Tarrodi's Fireflies, Aadland will also the direct the Auckland Philharmonia in Prokofiev's Violin Concerto No 1 (with soloist Ilya Gringolts), and Mozart's 40th Symphony.
Bryan asked if Mozart's 40th was the 'perfect' symphony.
"I think so - I guess you could say that about all of the three last symphonies by Mozart - this is the perfect symphony."
