Symphonic friendship
Crescendo is the name of Kristiansand Symfoniorkester's newly established friends' association. They would like to include as many music lovers as possible.
- "Above all, we want to help more people experience symphonic music in its true element, in konsertsalen," says the initiator of Crescendo, Tulla Wahlstedt.
Together with Kjetil Nordhus, Elfie Dørum, Arne Bang, Marit Sæther and Preben Tellefsen, the foundation for a Friends of Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra was laid in early 2018.
- "You could compare us to supporters, perhaps. It's quite common all over the world for a symphony orchestra to have a society of friends; it becomes a social hub with a source of activities and community around music, art and cultural experiences," says Tulla.
As a member, you will be invited to a pre-talk, a backstage visit, a cultural weekend in Aarhus and many other exciting activities.
- We believe it can have major ripple effects for everyone involved," says Arne Bang.
With his many years of experience from the Punkt festival, where audiences have come together for different and experimental musical experiences that stimulate the senses and thoughts, he believes it is important to remind each other of what music does to us as human beings. That the reciprocity and dynamics that arise between orchestra and audience create unique moments you can't find in a recording.
- "It's the experience itself that is the core, and the really good experiences in the world of music can change you if you choose to be open to it," he says. Bang thinks that it is sometimes important to choose unconventionally and seek new impressions from art and music in order to allow self-development and expand your horizons.
- You have to let go a little. Dare to take it in. Suddenly, something happens deep down and you discover art on different levels that really enriches you as a person," says Bang.
- Such journeys are an incredibly exciting universe to embark on, and something we want more people to take part in. That's one of the important reasons why we're involved in Crescendo," he says.
For Kjetil Nordhus, it was important to endorse all the positive effects the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra brings to the city and to Southern Norway. He says he was sitting in a pub in London when Tulla called, and that he responded enthusiastically to the request.
- "I want to do this," I replied. I immediately felt that it was important to support and contribute to the positive things happening on the music front in our city. I'm keen to promote what's worth promoting," says Nordhus.
The Friends have already gained many members. Now they want more. Preferably a doubling of the number.
- We already have a wide reach, with members of all ages. That's fantastic. It also gives me, on a personal level, another reason to attend more of the concerts I want to experience," says Nordhus.
Everyone who has contributed to the start-up of the friends' association is keen to break down some worn-out perceptions of art and music that do not belong in a city with a rich cultural offering.
- A high-class professional orchestra is one of the things that helps to create a city. It goes without saying, and we want to support that,
says Marit Sæther.
Text and photo Amund hestsveen
Become a member
Sign up today at crescendokristiansand.no
Membership costs 200,- per year.
If you are a KSO subscriber, membership of Crescendo is free.
