Sebastian Fagerlund

"The latest BIS release with Sebastian Fagerlund’s orchestral music includes powerful performances of two works that belong to his most convincing achievements in this genre."

"Sebastian Fagerlund's chamber works are attractive, shot through with primeval energy yet shaped with a dextrous flexibility."

The professional profile and operating environment of Finnish composers of classical music have become increasingly international at a rapid rate in the past three decades. Back in the day, few composers spent extensive periods of time abroad, and any trips they did take were mainly for study or for inspiration and did not necessarily involve immersion in the local music scene. This started to change in the 1990s, as the Finnish music industry began to integrate into the international music industry.

"Kromos is a rewarding listening experience. This is, naturally, due to Eskelinen’s splendid musicianship, but also much to the diversity of styles and ideas in the chosen six works."

"It's more about words than action, and, musically, more about continuity than sharp contrasts. Fagerlund's music is charged with eruptive energy, and provides a dark and sorrowful autumnal setting for the characters' emotional struggles."

"The orchestra is a natural medium of expression for Sebastian Fagerlund. The BIS recording of three rather recent orchestral works shows different aspects of his orchestral language through excellent performances by the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra under Hannu Lintu."

The Royal Concertgebouw in Amsterdam appointed Sebastian Fagerlund their composer-in-residence, resulting in a string of exciting works, new departures and enriching encounters.

Composer Sebastian Fagerlund’s new opera Höstsonaten (Autumn Sonata) is approaching its premiere at the Finnish National Opera and Ballet. Based on the eponymous film by Ingmar Bergman and with a star-studded production team, the opera is poised to take the themes of the story to a new level.

A few years ago two new events, the RUSK festival in Pietarsaari, founded by composer Sebastian Fagerlund and clarinettist Christoffer Sundqvist, and Pasimusic, composer Pasi Lyytikäinen’s own festival in northern Savo, appeared on the autumn festival map of Finland, brightening up the darkening months with their innovative offerings.

Cooperation between contemporary music operators in Finland and Russia depends on networks of personal connections built up over a long time. Although there are surprisingly few joint projects, existing relationships continually foster new interaction between the two neighbouring countries, which in turn makes it easier for other contemporary musicians to cross the border.

Bram van Sambeek presents two valuable additions to the bassoon repertoire. Kalevi Aho wrote his concerto for Bence Bogányi in 2004, while Sebastian Fagerlund’s concerto Mana (2014) was tailor-made for Sambeek himself.

The music of composer Sebastian Fagerlund has always been characterised by an energetic and effortless forward motion. In recent years, his career has likewise gone full speed ahead.