Jens Balslev

My education: The Jyske Conservatroy of Music, Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst i Wien, and the Fynske Conservatory with Claus Myrup, Hans-Peter Ochsenhofer, and Rafael Altino.

My favorite musical composition: Shostakovich Symphony 10 is what inspired me to be a musician and will always have a special place in my heart, but I have a hard time believing that mankind has created anything greater than Tristan and Isolde by Wagner. More beautiful art can’t possibly exist! It is unbelievable genius, both on a music and philosophical level. One could listen to Wagner all their life and still find something new to enjoy while they sit in their retirement communities!

My greatest musical experience: Without a doubt Tristan and Isolde with Jiří Kout in 2009. It was the first time I properly experienced Wagner. I had never heard anything so beautiful before. It was almost unbearable. I was shaken to the core and couldn’t make it through a single performance without being moved to tears.

My most memorable/funny/unusual experience in the Kapel: Its hard to pick a single moment, but I will never forget the friendly and affectionate way the Kapels viola group treat each other. I think the wonderful atmosphere in the orchestra is the best part of my job.

When I’m not playing in the Kapel: Gaming and Chamber Music with friends as well as a little bit of composing when no one is looking. I also love listening to all kinds of music and watching movies with friends in my little home theatre.