“I think of the violin as the instrument closest to the heart.”

Music creates a sense of community. In our fragmented society, that feels more important than ever. We need live music, but also conversations about music – about what we experience and what we hear. That is what brings us together.

One musician who has influenced me is the violinist Janine Jansen. Her playing spoke directly to my soul when I was young. When she stepped onto the stage, she offered something beyond mere perfection. It gave me a new way into music and made me reflect on what I want to achieve myself. Playing became so much more enjoyable – and it moved me forward.

I often think of the violin as the instrument closest to the heart. That is the feeling I want to reach, at least. To move people through music, you have to find your own way of playing. You cannot simply project your own emotions onto the audience. It is about sensitivity – about finding nuance and shaping phrases.

I enjoy it when something unexpected happens with the audience. I want them to switch off everything else and simply be present in the room. During the pandemic, you really realised how vital that connection with the audience is. I send out an arrow, and someone has to be there to receive it.

Tove Lund
Violin 1, Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra