Marit Egenes

Violinist Marit Egenes comes from Oslo and studied violin at Østlandet´s Music Conservatory with Leif Jørgensen as her teacher. He placed high demands on his students:

− He was a demanding teacher, but always with a sense of humour. He would prefer I didn't start high school, as he thought I wouldn´t have enough time to practice.

− The period with Mariss was a great experience

Marit emphasises that a solid dose of endurance and determination were essential to becoming a musician:

− The most critical factor in me becoming a musician, was probably that I didn´t give up, but simply continued until I understood that I might have a chance to be good enough one day.

Her work bore fruit, and at twenty-one, Marit was engaged by the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra. In 1989, she started working in the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra.

− I love playing in an orchestra. There have been many wonderful experiences over the years, and it´s not easy to choose just one of them. But the whole period with Mariss was a great experience.

Come along for the “ride”

At home, Marit listens mostly to jazz, but has many favourites in the classical genre too.

− When I play in the orchestra, Mahler, Shostakovich, Ravel and Stravinsky are high on my list − along with a lot of others. The Rite of Spring by Stravinsky, Daphnis and Chloe by Ravel, and Mahler´s symphonies are among my favourite works.

Her best tip for a good concert experience is to come to the concert hall with an open mind, and to come along for the “ride”.

Marit has several interests outside music:

− I exercise, do gardening, and am learning about the arts of oenology and gastronomy. And I enjoy reading books.