Klassisk musikk som hvilepunkt
Classical music as a moment of respite in a busy day
Since 2018, Fanni Sara Istenes has been a devoted follower of the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra. For her, the Thursday concerts have become an indispensable fixture—a space for tranquility, inspiration, and profound experiences. With a background in Hungary, a passion for opera, and a heart that beats for both classical music and fine art photography, she constantly finds new reasons to return to konsertsalen.
From forced concerts in childhood to a lifelong passion
– Ever since I was little and growing up in Hungary, right up until I moved to Norway at age 12, my mom often took me to classical concerts. At the time, it felt a bit like a chore, but today I’m grateful she did.
Fanni was introduced to KSO when she moved to Kristiansand to study art at the University of Agder in 2018.
– As an art student, we received free tickets to Kilden’s own productions, which gave me a unique opportunity to explore their wide range of offerings—especially the concerts with the KSO. They have since become an important part of my life, and I still go to a concert every week. The atmosphere and emotions conveyed in the concerts resonate with what I try to express in my own art. Today, KSO concerts take precedence over everything else and have become the highlight of my week.
She has a few concert rituals, and always takes a quick look at the program before the concert to get an overview of which pieces and composers are on the program.
– Most of the time, I check which piece is going to be played and who composed it, just so I know in advance. But I go to the concert anyway, regardless of whether there’s a favorite piece on the program or not. I’m curious and like to be spontaneously surprised. Otherwise, I usually have dinner before the concert, freshen up a bit, put on some makeup to feel fresh, do my hair, and then I head out the door feeling happy and hopeful, she says.
– KSO concerts usually take precedence over everything else and are my top priority in my daily life.
A Love of Opera and Favorite Moments
– Among the highlights from last season, I would like to highlight the New Year’s Concert featuring waltzes, marches, and Strauss’ The Bat Overture, as well as Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, Eroica. The Request Concert with Fædrelandsvennen offered great variety—Sibelius’s Finlandia with Kilden made a particularly strong impression. The National Day Gala Concert was also a memorable experience, with Sigmund Groven on the harmonica and the audience singing along. One of the strongest impressions came from Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman; it was a powerful opera experience. Earlier productions like Don Giovanni and Amadeus also remain vivid in her memory. “I’d love to see more opera in the future,” she adds with a smile.
A sacred space in everyday life
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can be hard to find moments of peace and reflection. For Fanni, attending concerts with the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra provides just that.
– Going to a concert with the KSO is one of the highlights of my daily life. It’s a much-needed respite from stress and responsibilities. For me, it’s about being transported into a timeless and solemn atmosphere, where the music creates space for reflection, memories, and imagination. Classical music has a unique elegance and depth that enriches life—both mentally and spiritually.
An important reason to stay in Kristiansand
Everything from the season opener with Rachlin and Andsnes to collaborations with Kunstsilo and Rolf Løvland is on the schedule for the fall, and Fanni hopes more young people will find their way into the concert hall.
– I’m looking forward to the whole season, but especially to Smakebitkonsert August and the season opener with Leif Ove Andsnes. He’ll be performing works by Dvořák and Brahms, which I really love. The co-production *The Silent Island* between Kilden Kunstsilo is also a highlight for me, as I have a background in visual arts myself. In addition, I’ll be on stage myself in A Tribute to Rolf Løvland alongside the new Kilden, Kilden Vokal, which I recently joined. Otherwise, I’m looking forward to concerts featuring music by Elgar, Beethoven, and Sibelius. The KSO is a major reason why I’m staying in Kristiansand—it’s simply a unique opportunity that more young people should take advantage of, ” she concludes .
