Prestigious Swedish Prize for Klas Torstensson

On Friday November 6, 2009 composer Klas Torstensson received the Contemporary Classic Award – large ensemble/opera for his work Polarhavet.

The Musikförläggarnas Pris is awarded to Swedish composers and lyricists in eight different categories for their accomplishments during the period of 1 July 2008 -30 June 2009. 

Torstensson, who makes his home in the Netherlands flew to Stockholm, Sweden, to accept the award at a large ceremony at historical Berns Salonger. The crème de la crème of Swedish composers and lyricists were present when also other internationally renowned Swedish composers received awards. Max Martin, who’s written for Katy Perry, Pink and Britney Spears received two awards. Nadir “RedOne” Khayat won for his work with Lady Gaga and young Agnes Carlsson won the award International Success of the Year for her club hit “Release Me”, written together with Anders Hansson and Sharon Vaughn. The song recently reached the top of American Billboards Club/Dance chart.

Torstensson will, as a winner of one of the Contemporary Classic Awards receive a grant of 25 000 SEK for his achievement. The winner of the award was chosen by a jury of prominent figures from the field of classical music, representing institutions as Stockholm Concert Hall, The Royal Opera, The Royal College of Music in Stockholm, Swedish Public Service Radio and Swedish Performing Arts. The jury stated: "With the starting point in the 20th century’s modernism he creates a synthesis which is free from the recipes of success and restraints from previous periods. The instrumentation is epic, the art of storytelling grand and believable. With his work Polarhavet  Klas Torstensson fortifies his originality as a contemporary composer and is therefore awarded 2009 Contemporary Classic Award in the category of large ensemble/opera."

Read more on Klas Torstensson here>>