Role

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Composer

Birth

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December 6, 1972 in Parainen, Finland

 

Sebastian Fagerlund is a Finnish composer who was born on March 13, 1972, in Helsinki, Finland. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a composer and his mother a pianist. Fagerlund started playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the guitar and the drums. He was also interested in rock music and played in several bands during his teenage years. Fagerlund studied composition at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, where he received his Master's degree in 2001. He also studied at the Royal College of Music in London and the Paris Conservatory. During his studies, Fagerlund was influenced by the works of composers such as György Ligeti, Olivier Messiaen, and Magnus Lindberg. Fagerlund's early works were mainly for chamber ensembles and solo instruments. His first major work was the chamber opera "Döbeln," which was premiered in 2003. The opera tells the story of the Finnish War of 1808-1809 and the Battle of Jutas, where the Swedish general Johan August Sandels defeated the Russian army. The opera was well-received and established Fagerlund as a promising young composer. In 2006, Fagerlund composed his first orchestral work, "Isola," which was commissioned by the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra. The piece is inspired by the Finnish archipelago and its changing moods and colors. "Isola" features a large orchestra and includes elements of Finnish folk music and jazz. The piece was premiered in Helsinki and has since been performed by several orchestras around the world. Fagerlund's breakthrough work came in 2012 with his opera "Döbeln," which was commissioned by the Finnish National Opera. The opera tells the story of the Finnish War of 1808-1809 and the Battle of Jutas, where the Swedish general Johan August Sandels defeated the Russian army. The opera was well-received and established Fagerlund as a promising young composer. In 2015, Fagerlund composed his first piano concerto, "Ignite," which was commissioned by the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra. The concerto features a solo piano and a large orchestra and includes elements of jazz and rock music. The piece was premiered in Helsinki and has since been performed by several orchestras around the world. Fagerlund's most recent work is the opera "Höstsonaten" (Autumn Sonata), which is based on the film by Ingmar Bergman. The opera was commissioned by the Finnish National Opera and premiered in Helsinki in 2017. The opera tells the story of a famous pianist who visits her daughter after a long absence and confronts the choices she has made in her life. The opera features a large orchestra and includes elements of Swedish folk music and jazz. Fagerlund's music is characterized by its colorful orchestration, rhythmic energy, and use of folk and jazz elements. His works often explore themes of nature, history, and human emotions. Fagerlund has received several awards for his compositions, including the Teosto Prize, the Finnish State Prize for Music, and the Nordic Council Music Prize. In addition to his work as a composer, Fagerlund is also a conductor and has led several orchestras in Finland and abroad. He is currently the artistic director of the Korsholm Music Festival in Finland. Sebastian Fagerlund is one of the most prominent composers of his generation in Finland and has established himself as an important voice in contemporary classical music.

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