Hi Andrey.  Thanks so much for taking time to chat to us following your concert with The Yugen Quartet at Fairfield High School, Peterchurch on 26th November 2024.  Firstly can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

What drew you to chamber music in the first place and the saxophone in particular?

I started playing the euphonium in my local wind band back home in Norway. After a while, I found myself getting jealous of all the solos our saxophonist got, so I asked to switch—and I haven’t looked back since! Over the years, I’ve tried learning a variety of instruments, from piano to oboe and violin, but I ultimately settled on the saxophone because of its beautiful, voice-like quality.

For me, chamber music is a uniquely special collaboration. It’s a process built on trust and shared creativity. While individual players can sometimes fade into the background in large orchestras—and though the solo saxophone is wonderful—I find it much more rewarding to perform alongside good friends, working together toward a common goal.

Who or what would you say has been the biggest influence on you as a musician/saxophonist?

The biggest influence on my playing has been my teacher, Naomi Sullivan. Her dedication to international collaboration, championing music by living composers, and building a broad network of connections has been truly inspiring. She has shown me the value of going beyond borders, learning from other cultures, and fostering meaningful relationships through our shared passion for the saxophone.

In addition to The Yugen Quartet, you are an active member of The Hadit Collective. Could you tell us about the inspiration behind the collective please and what attracted you to perform with them? 

I was invited to join The Hadit Collective at the start of my second year. What drew me in was the opportunity to perform new music and collaborate directly with composers to devise pieces. This creative process allows us to push boundaries and tailor music to suit each performer, making every project unique.

The Hadit Collective is a new music ensemble born in Glasgow and raised in Birmingham, made up of professional musicians passionate about exploring and performing new music. Its innovative programming combines world premieres and repeat performances, aiming to challenge the often-conventional boundaries of new music programming and engage beyond the typical “new music bubble.”

At its core, The Hadit Collective is committed to showcasing diverse new music through dynamic performances that prioritize audiences and communities. The ensemble strives to broaden its reach, integrating diversity into its programming and connecting with people in meaningful ways. It is co-directed by Aidan Teplitzky and Nicholas Olsen.

Your Craswall programme included a diverse selection of works designed to showcase the vast capabilities of the saxophone as an instrument and enthuse the schoolchildren present.  Is there one piece for saxophone that is a particular favourite and if so, why?

(From the concert)

My favourite piece from the concert was Sir Patrick. It has such great energy that it naturally connected with the audience, and their enthusiasm inspired me to perform it with even more joy. The piece is inspired by folk music, which is often fun to listen to and offers endless possibilities for creative arrangements.

(All-time favourite)

My all-time favourite saxophone quartet piece is Ciudades by Guillermo Lago. It’s both fun and challenging, taking inspiration from cities around the world and interpreting them through the voices of four saxophones. The writing is so intricate that, when played well, it feels like there are a dozen saxophonists on stage instead of just four.

If you could take just one piece of music with you to a desert island, what would you take and why?

I would take Molde Canticle by Jan Garbarek. Its contrasts keep me engaged no matter my mood, and its iconic melody is simply beautiful. The best moment comes in the final movement when, after being suspended for so long, the main tune returns, bringing an incredible sense of release.

 Some quick-fire questions:

• Tea or coffee?   Coffee
• Beer or wine?   Wine (Red)
• Sweet or savoury?   Savoury
• Big night out or quiet night in?   A big night out
• Book or eBook?   Book
• Giving presents or receiving presents?   Giving presents

If you could travel back in time, what period would you go to? 

I would love to travel to ancient Greece. I’m fascinated by Greek culture and cuisine, and it would be incredible to witness its history firsthand. Who knows, I might even get the chance to meet some of the great legends from that era!