Mats Olofsson is a renowned Swedish composer and sound artist who has made significant contributions to the field of contemporary classical music. Born on May 14, 1961, in Stockholm, Sweden, Olofsson grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to music from an early age. His father was a jazz musician, and his mother was a classical pianist, which influenced his musical tastes and interests. Olofsson began his musical journey by learning to play the piano and the guitar. He later studied composition at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, where he was mentored by renowned composers such as Sven-David Sandström and Pär Lindgren. During his studies, Olofsson developed a keen interest in electronic music and started experimenting with sound synthesis and computer music. In the early 1990s, Olofsson gained international recognition for his innovative approach to music composition and sound art. He became a member of the Fylkingen Society, a Stockholm-based organization that promotes experimental music and sound art. Olofsson's works were featured in several exhibitions and festivals, including the Ars Electronica festival in Austria and the Sonar festival in Spain. One of Olofsson's most notable works is "The Big Drum," a composition for percussion and electronics that premiered in 1995. The piece features a large drum that is played by four percussionists, accompanied by electronic sounds and live processing. "The Big Drum" has been performed in several countries and has received critical acclaim for its innovative use of technology and percussion. Olofsson has also collaborated with several other artists and musicians, including the Swedish composer and pianist Sten Sandell and the American composer and saxophonist John Butcher. Together, they have created several works that combine acoustic instruments with electronic sounds and live processing. In addition to his work as a composer and sound artist, Olofsson has also been involved in music education. He has taught composition and electronic music at several institutions, including the Royal College of Music in Stockholm and the University of Gothenburg. Olofsson's contributions to contemporary classical music have been recognized with several awards and honors. In 2001, he was awarded the prestigious Swedish Arts Grants Committee's Prize for Music. He has also received grants and commissions from organizations such as the Swedish National Concert Institute and the Swedish Arts Council. Today, Mats Olofsson continues to push the boundaries of contemporary classical music and sound art. His works are performed and exhibited around the world, and he remains an influential figure in the Swedish and international music scenes.

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