Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Robert Sund was a renowned Swedish conductor, composer, and arranger who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. He was born on October 7, 1942, in Skellefteå, Sweden, and grew up in a musical family. His father was a choir conductor, and his mother was a pianist. Sund's passion for music was evident from a young age, and he began playing the piano and singing in choirs at the age of six. Sund's musical education began at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, where he studied choral conducting, composition, and piano. He later continued his studies at the University of Uppsala, where he earned a degree in musicology. During his time at university, Sund became interested in folk music and began incorporating it into his compositions and arrangements. In 1968, Sund founded the Swedish Radio Choir, which quickly gained a reputation for its innovative programming and high-quality performances. Under Sund's leadership, the choir became one of the most respected ensembles in Europe, performing at major festivals and collaborating with renowned conductors and composers. Sund's career as a conductor also included guest appearances with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. He was particularly known for his interpretations of the works of Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven, and his recordings of these composers' music received critical acclaim. In addition to his work as a conductor, Sund was also a prolific composer and arranger. He wrote music for a wide range of ensembles, including choirs, orchestras, and chamber groups. His compositions often drew on his love of folk music, incorporating traditional melodies and rhythms into his works. Sund's contributions to the world of classical music were recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1995, he was awarded the Royal Swedish Academy of Music's Litteris et Artibus medal for his contributions to Swedish music. He was also awarded the Nordic Council Music Prize in 2000, and in 2003 he was made a Knight of the Order of the Polar Star by the Swedish government. One of Sund's most significant achievements was his work as the artistic director of the World Symposium on Choral Music, which he helped to establish in 1987. The symposium, which takes place every three years, brings together choirs and conductors from around the world to share their knowledge and expertise. Sund's leadership of the symposium helped to raise the profile of choral music and to promote cross-cultural understanding through music. Sadly, Sund passed away on June 5, 2013, at the age of 70. However, his legacy lives on through his recordings, compositions, and the many musicians he inspired and mentored throughout his career. His contributions to the world of classical music have left an indelible mark, and he will be remembered as one of the most significant figures in Swedish music history.

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