Nikolaj Viltoft

Education: The Royal Danish Academy of Music and Hochschule für Musik, Cologne.

My favorite musical composition: It is difficult to just name one, but then it would have to be Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier, even though it is an unusual choice for a trompeter in an opera orchestra. I could also mention Prokofiev’s ballet Romeo and Juliet. A gripping story and intense music – and fantastic brass parts! I’m also a great fan of Strauss and Puccini ….. And Mozart! … And Tchaikovsky…

My greatest musical experience: I can’t name just one. It will have to be a list which grows longer each year…
Mahler’s 5th, Orkester Norden: Okku Kamu
Mahler’s 2nd and 7th, European Youth Orchestra: Vladimir
Ashkenazy and Bernhard Haitink, Royal Albert Hall
Bartok’s Concerto for Orchestra and Stravinsky’s Chant du Rossignol: Orchestre de l’Opera de Paris, Pierre Boulez

My most memorable/funny/unusual experience in the Kapel: Michael Schönwandts farewell concert at the Copenhagen Concert House with Mahler’s 2nd Symphony in 2011, Alban Berg’s operas Wozzeck in 2008 and Lulu in 2010, Stravinsky’s Pulcinella and Sacre, 2007.

When I’m not playing in the Kapel: In addition to daily practicing, I spend my time teaching at the Royal Danish Academy of Music. I play with my kids, (Nora and Leander) and enjoy good food and drink (wine, beer and not least coffee,) with my wife Kathrine who also works at the theatre. In addition to my love for all that sounds and tastes good, I have a weakness for mechanical wrist watches.