About
Early Life and Education:
Emmy Lindström, born in 1984 in Linköping, Sweden, is a celebrated contemporary composer and violinist. Her early musical journey began at the age of five when she started playing the violin, and by eight, she had composed her first piece. She studied at De Geer High School in Norrköping, followed by the Academy of Music and Drama in Gothenburg and the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, where she honed her skills in both violin and composition.
In her early career, Lindström performed as a violinist at Östgötateatern in Linköping and Norrköping. Her notable role as a fiddler in "Fiddler on the Roof" showcased her unique talent in both acting and music. During this period, she began composing for smaller ensembles, creating works such as "Tintomara" for guitar and flute, and "Song About Em" for clarinet and string quartet, reflecting her ability to blend melancholy and romanticism in her music.
Lindström's breakthrough as a composer came with her symphonic works. Her first clarinet concerto, "At the Hills of Hampstead Heath," premiered in 2017 and was performed by clarinetist Emil Jonason with the Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra. This piece gained significant recognition, leading to Lindström being named Composer-In-Residence with the same orchestra the following season. Her work "The Lost Clown," a 21-movement piece, was performed throughout the year and received acclaim for its reflection on Arnold Schönberg's "Pierrot Lunaire".
In 2019, "At the Hills of Hampstead Heath" won first prize at the Kaleidoscope International Vocal and Instrumental Competition in Los Angeles, cementing her status as a prominent composer. Her opera "Ålevangeliet," based on Patrik Svensson's book, premiered in 2022 at Folkoperan in Stockholm and toured Sweden in collaboration with Riksteatern.
Lindström has served as Composer in Residence at several prestigious institutions, including Kulturhuset Spira and the Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra. Her tenure at Kulturhuset Spira was particularly noted for the performance of her works "I’ll Tell You How the Sun Rose" and "Nu faller snö" by the Jönköping Sinfonietta, reflecting her ability to merge contemporary themes with classical forms.
Emmy Lindström's music is characterized by its emotional depth and humor, drawing from a diverse musical background that includes classical, jazz, folk, and musical theater. Her works often incorporate literary elements, showcasing her talent for creating deeply narrative compositions. Critics have praised her work for its poetic sensuality and emotional resonance. Her piece "Nu faller snö" was highlighted for its delicate and evocative nature, while her clarinet concerto "At the Hills of Hampstead Heath" was celebrated for its lyrical and dynamic qualities.
Reviews of Lindström's work consistently highlight her ability to convey deep emotion and complexity. One critic noted, "Her compositions are a delicate balance of melancholy and wit, capable of evoking profound emotions in the listener". Another review praised "The Lost Clown" as "a masterful work that intricately weaves 21 short movements into a cohesive and powerful narrative".
Beyond her musical career, Lindström is also a registered nurse, primarily working in psychiatry and rehabilitation, which she believes enriches her creative and personal growth.
Emmy Lindström continues to make significant contributions to contemporary classical music, with her works being performed and celebrated both in Sweden and internationally. Her unique blend of lyrical beauty, emotional depth, and a touch of humor ensures her place as a dynamic and influential voice in the world of modern composition.