From Saturday School to Summer at Kilden
The Kilden lobby is currently hosting “Summer at Kilden.” Professional musicians of all ages and from diverse backgrounds will be entertaining and delighting visitors to Kilden summer.
One of the musicians you might meet this summer is cellist Mathias Pearson, who was born and raised in Kristiansand and is a former student of the Kilden talent development program. Although it was at Kristiansand Culture School (now Knuden) and at Kilden that Kilden in classical music really took root, music has been a part of him since birth.
“I come from a musical family; my mother is a singer and music therapist, and my father is an organist,” says Mathias over the phone from The Hague in the Netherlands.
Mathias is currently pursuing a master’s degree under Jan-Ype Nota and Michel Strauss, having completed his bachelor’s degree at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague.
During the conversation, a few English phrases slip in now and then, and the occasional Dutch word also finds its way into the interview when Bokmål isn't quite enough.
“I’ve lived here for about six years now, and every now and then a word or two slips in,” says Mathias in a distinct Kristiansand dialect with a hint of a Dutch accent.
Chamber music
At "Summer at Kilden ," Mathias and several other young musicians Kilden perform chamber music, and that suits the cellist from The Hague very well.
“I really enjoy playing chamber music. Your part becomes incredibly important, and there’s no way to hide a mistake. You really have to give it your all to ensure the audience has a great experience—and I try to bring that same mindset to my orchestral playing as well,” says Mathias.
Orchestral music involves larger ensembles performing works composed for a larger group of musicians, such as the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra’s Thursday concerts, where they often perform pieces that require nearly all 67 of the orchestra’s permanent musicians—and sometimes even more.
– I’m still young and want to push myself while I’m learning. Playing in chamber music groups opens the door to a more personal interpretation, as I see it, so it gives me an opportunity to showcase myself in a way that might not be possible in a larger orchestra.
Along the way, Mathias has had many wonderful mentors. His interest was sparked at home, before he was introduced to the cello at the arts school under Maja Birkeland, until one day he found himself facing his first audition at Kilden.
– I remember the room, the lighting, and the feeling of walking into a room and having to perform at an audition.
At Kilden , Mathias Kilden introduced to Adam Grüchot, concertmaster and violinist with the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra.
– Adam introduced me to ensemble playing and believed in me and my abilities even when I might not have believed in myself—that’s incredibly important.
“He played a big part in my decision to become a musician,” says Mathias.
Summer at Kilden
So now Mathias is back at Kilden his life took a musical turn.
On July 17 and 18, Mathias will perform in a trio with Silje Grönningen and Halvor Aasen. The string trio, whose members have known each other well for many years, will perform a repertoire featuring works by Beethoven, Haydn, and Dohnányi together for the first time.
“It’s really fun to play alongside friends with whom I share a history at Kilden,” says Mathias.
“Besides, I think it’s a great way to be introduced to classical music. You sit down for a free concert in beautiful surroundings for half an hour and get a taste of our shared musical heritage,” Mathias concludes.
"Summer at kilden through July 27, and Mathias, Halvor, and Silje will perform on July 17 and 18 at 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
