Role

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Composer  

Period

:

Renaissance

 

 

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

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Choral

 

 

Opera

 

Carl Unander-Scharin is a Swedish composer, conductor, and singer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on December 22, 1962, in Stockholm, Sweden, Unander-Scharin grew up in a family of musicians. His father, Lars Unander-Scharin, was a composer and conductor, while his mother, Ingrid Unander-Scharin, was a singer and music teacher. From a young age, Unander-Scharin was exposed to music and began playing the piano at the age of six. Unander-Scharin's musical education began at the Adolf Fredrik Music School in Stockholm, where he studied piano, singing, and music theory. He later attended the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, where he studied composition with Sven-David Sandström and conducting with Eric Ericson. Unander-Scharin also studied at the University of Gothenburg, where he earned a degree in musicology. Unander-Scharin's early compositions were influenced by the music of J.S. Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. His first major work, the oratorio "The Creation," was composed when he was just 19 years old. The piece was well-received and led to Unander-Scharin being commissioned to write several other works, including the opera "The Tempest" and the cantata "The Passion of St. John." In addition to his work as a composer, Unander-Scharin is also a skilled conductor and singer. He has conducted several orchestras, including the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra and the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra. As a singer, Unander-Scharin has performed in several operas and oratorios, including the role of the Evangelist in Bach's "St. Matthew Passion." Unander-Scharin's compositions are known for their intricate harmonies and use of counterpoint. His works often incorporate elements of Swedish folk music and are characterized by their emotional depth and complexity. Some of his most notable works include the opera "The Tempest," which premiered in 1995, and the oratorio "The Passion of St. John," which was first performed in 2000. "The Tempest" is based on Shakespeare's play of the same name and tells the story of the sorcerer Prospero and his daughter Miranda, who are stranded on a deserted island. The opera features a large cast of characters and incorporates elements of Swedish folk music, including the use of the nyckelharpa, a traditional Swedish instrument. The opera was well-received and has been performed in several countries, including Sweden, Germany, and the United States. "The Passion of St. John" is a large-scale work for choir, soloists, and orchestra that tells the story of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The piece features intricate choral writing and incorporates elements of Swedish folk music, including the use of the nyckelharpa and the Swedish folk song "Ack, Värmeland du sköna." The work has been performed in several countries and has been praised for its emotional depth and musical complexity. In addition to his work as a composer, conductor, and singer, Unander-Scharin is also a respected music educator. He has taught at several institutions, including the Royal College of Music in Stockholm and the University of Gothenburg. He has also served as a guest lecturer and conductor at several universities and music schools around the world. Unander-Scharin's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with several awards and honors.

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