Heming Valebjørg

Percussionist Heming Valebjørg comes from Tinn in Telemark. His father was a baker - and also taught percussion at Kulturskolen (he is still active in both professions). He was also his son’s first teacher.

From early on, pursuing a career in music seemed a natural way to go, and after working in The Royal Norwegian Air Force Band and The Royal Norwegian Navy Band, Heming was engaged by the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra in 2009. He emphasises how significant the concerts are in an orchestra musician’s life:

− It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to affect the listener, to get into people’s heads and influence both moods and emotions.

− You need time

He has had many great experiences with the orchestra since he started, and one he remembers particularly well was from his very first season:

− Just before my trial period in the orchestra ran out in 2009 we played two concerts in Vienna’s Musikverein. Playing in that hall creates a very special atmosphere, appearing before a responsive and discerning audience. La Mer by Debussy and The Wooden Prince by Bartók were included in the programme, and my parts in the music were terribly exposed. When you have a good feeling following that type of concert, it becomes an experience which leaves its mark.

Heming describes himself as “quite omnivorous” when it comes to musical styles, and takes part in projects within several genres. He believes the most important thing one can do in order to have a good concert experience is to allow time, both before and after the concert:

− You need time both to prepare yourself and to be able to digest the experience. Running straight from work or going to bed as quickly as possible after the concert isn’t ideal. If you make more space for it in the everyday, perhaps arriving a little early or going for dinner before the concert, or having a drink afterwards, you’ll be more likely to get out of your everyday mode. Then it might turn out to be a really special occasion.

When he isn’t playing, Heming likes running or practicing capoeira - or spending time with his little daughter, who is a year old.