Oslo Philharmonic

It’s been a while.

As the 2025 season draws to a close, I’ve found myself reflecting on how much life has shifted over the past few years. I’ve now been playing with the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra as principal flutist for two full official seasons—plus one additional year before that as a contractor. That makes it three years in total, and I can hardly believe how quickly the time has flown.

Moving to Norway and joining this orchestra has truly been a dream come true. Even now, there are moments during rehearsals or concerts when I look around and think, “Is this real?” I’m deeply grateful for the music we’ve made, the colleagues who’ve become friends, and the quiet beauty of Oslo that has slowly grown to feel like home.

When I first arrived, everything felt new and a little surreal—the language, the weather, the rhythm of life here. But music has a way of bridging cultures and creating a sense of belonging, and in many ways, the flute has been my anchor.

This season brought some unforgettable milestones for me. One of the highlights was performing the Nielsen Flute Concerto with the orchestra as a soloist—what a wild, witty, and wonderfully human piece. It's a concerto that feels like a dialogue rather than a showcase, and I loved every moment of navigating its quirky character and complex musical conversations. Another peak moment came with Debussy’s Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune—a piece I’ve loved since I first picked up the flute. Playing it in the orchestra, knowing how exposed and nuanced that opening solo is, was both terrifying and exhilarating. It demands everything—breath, color, timing, freedom—and yet it must feel effortless. That performance reminded me why I fell in love with this instrument in the first place. Also other symphonies like Mahler, Shostakovich or Brahms that left the hall breathless, intimate chamber performances that reminded me why I started playing in the first place, and even a few wild contemporary premieres that pushed me in ways I didn’t expect. Each program has added a new layer to my growth as a musician and as a person.

I'll be sharing more soon—if you'd be interested or let me know which topics you are interested in or some thoughts on flute playing, life in Norway, and maybe a few travel notes too. For now, I just wanted to check in and say: I’m still here, still playing, and still incredibly thankful for this path I’m on.

Thanks for reading—