Violin Sensation Ready to Wow New Audience at Red Bull Symphonic
Johan's musical talent has made the musical world sit up and take notice
© Mats Bäcker / IMG Artists
Read about the other young talents at Red Bull Symphonic
Hello Johan! How does it feel to be one of the soloists at Red Bull Symphonic?
It feels really exciting! I haven't worked with this orchestra before, so I’m really looking forward to being part of this concert!
How do you feel about playing music based on pop instead of purely classical works? Is it something you have done before?
I don't think I have ever played a pop song before, as far as I know. At least not in concert. It feels fun and exciting to do it for the first time. As a classical musician, I think it's easy to get caught up in the details and the pursuit of perfection, which of course is great, but you shouldn’t forget to be spontaneous and create something in the moment.
Doing something completely different from what I usually do feels liberating and fun. I'm pretty sure it’s healthy for all musicians to try playing a different genre than what they're used to now and again. There is definitely a lot of inspiration to be found from all nooks and crannies, whether you're playing Bach or Victor Leksell!
Doing something completely different from what I usually do feels liberating and fun.
A musical clash between two worlds to create a new form of magic
© Hesham Marcelo / Red Bull Content Pool
Victor Leksell x Red Bull Symphonic - an evening you don't want to miss
© Noah Agemo
Red Bull Symphonic will be a different kind of concert for Johan
© Jesper Gronnemark / Red Bull Content Pool
What do you think about the concept of turning modern hits into classical works?
It's a cool and beautiful concept! Hopefully it can attract more people to listen to classical music. In Stockholm we have serval amazing orchestras playing concerts every week. I really recommend a visit to Konserthuset or Berwaldhallen! Classical music is not just beautiful, but there’s so much incredible music which overwhelms you with all kinds of feelings. I think it can open up a whole new world for many if they give classical music a chance!
What are you looking forward to with Red Bull Symphonic?
I look forward to meeting the musicians from the orchestra, the audience, and of course playing Victor Leksell’s beautiful song!
Have you listened to Victor Leksell's music before?
I must admit that I'm unfortunately quite bad at listening to other music genres than classical music, but I have listened a bit to Victor Leksell's songs and think he sings very nice.
The audience, who are Viktor Leksell fans and used to pop music, will be different from what you are used to. How does that feel and what do you hope to convey to them when you play?
It will undoubtedly be a different type of audience than what I'm used to playing for. But that just feels fun! No matter who I play for I want them to feel touched. I always try to tell a story with the music I play, and to feel like there is a connection between me and the audience.
You have released an album recently, won several major awards, and you are only 24 years old – what's next for you?
I have many fun concerts and projects coming up that I'm looking forward to. I’m going to Australia for the first time in a couple of months for a concert tour, which feels a little extra exciting. It's just a shame that I'm going in June, when the weather in Sweden is probably very good... Before that, I will play some concerts in the USA, England, and Poland.
Who is Johan Dalene when you're not on stage?
A large part of my everyday life is spent practicing my instrument and studying music. Otherwise, I like to watch football, eat some good food, and hang out with friends! Since I travel quite a lot in my job, I try to meet my friends and family as often as possible when I'm home in Stockholm.