− What gives me the greatest pleasure in my work as a musician, is to have the opportunity, every week, to share so many fantastic musical experiences with my wonderful colleagues, both in the orchestra and when playing chamber music.
Alyson Read was born in Oslo and grew up in Bærum. Her interest in music came early:
I had a close relationship with classical music already as a child, and after a while developed a dream of standing on stage one day playing Sibelius violin concerto as a soloist. I was lucky enough to experience that, as a "Young Talent” with Trondheim Symphony Orchestra!
On her way to becoming a professional musician and soloist with several Norwegian orchestras, Alyson received support and guidance both from home and from her teachers. among them Isaac Schuldmann at Norges Musikkhgskole, Roland and Almita Vamos in the US and Prof. Werner Sholz at Hochshule für Musik «Hanns Eisler» in Berlin.
− My parents were highly encouraging. After a while I was introduced to the best teachers, who had the greatest influence on me as a musician.
− The importance of “open ears”
After studies in Oslo, Minnesota and Berlin, Alyson Read was engaged by the Oslo Philharmonic, in 1995. She's also been a member of the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra since 1992.
− What gives me the greatest pleasure in my work as a musician, is to have the opportunity, every week, to share so many fantastic musical experiences with my wonderful colleagues, both in the orchestra and when playing chamber music.
She loves to play the great orchestral works:
− Beethoven has always been close to my heart, but I can’t help but mention the great Romantic works like Tchaikovsky’s and Brahms’ symphonies and Alpine Symphony by Richard Strauss.
In order to have the best possible concert experience, Alyson recommends listening through the music in advance and to read a little about the works.
− It’s always a good thing to be prepared. Otherwise it’s important to have “open ears” and an open mind.
When Alyson isn’t playing, tennis and languages are her favorite pastimes:
I like exercising, playing tennis and learning languages. At the moment I’m learning French.