Naja Helmer

My education: a patch work of study years in Sweden, Rome, Berlin, New York and Copenhagen.

My favourite composition: Everything Mozart wrote in a minor key….also in Major. And everything by Schubert. And everything by Beethoven, and Bach, and Brahms, and Mahler, and Carl Nielsen, and then all the other composers. On a deserted island I’d probably bring Spotify along.

My greatest musical experience: 25 years ago I hitchhiked from Århus to Copenhagen to hear Carl Nielsen’s 3rd Symphony with Kapellet, and I sat there dreaming of one day playing in this wonderful orchestra.

Another amazing experience was seeing Bach’s St. Matthew Passion with Rattle and Berlin Phil., were the musicians and singers performed from memory as actors in a scene. Truly a before and after experience.

I’ve already had countless unforgettable moments with Kapellet, and I’m looking forward to many more in the future.

My most memorable/funny/unusual experience in the Kapel: To get the message: You’ve got the job. That was a dream come true for me.

When I am not playing in the Kapel: I don’t understand the question…what free time? ; )