Jan Håkan Åberg

Full biography Jan Håkan Åberg

Jan Håkan Åberg, born on April 27, 1947, is a Swedish composer who has made significant contributions to contemporary classical music. He has composed works for various instruments, including the clarinet, violin, cello, and piano, and his music has been performed in concerts all over the world.

Åberg began his music studies in the early 1960s at the Royal Academy of Music in Stockholm. He later continued his musical education at the Musikhögskolan in Göteborg, where he studied composition with the renowned Swedish composer Ingvar Lidholm. After completing his studies, Åberg worked as a music teacher at several schools in Sweden before devoting himself full-time to composing.

Over the years, Åberg has composed works ranging from solo instrumental pieces to large-scale orchestral works. His music is characterized by its unique blend of traditional forms and contemporary techniques, such as extended techniques and aleatoric elements. His use of harmony is often striking and innovative, and he frequently employs unconventional tonal systems.

One notable work by Åberg is his clarinet concerto, which was premiered in 1997 by the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra. The work features a virtuosic solo part that showcases the clarinet's full range and versatility, and it has since become a popular work in the clarinet repertoire.

Throughout his career, Åberg has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music. In 1997, he was awarded the Rosenkranz Prize for his outstanding achievements in contemporary music. He has also been commissioned to compose works by various ensembles and orchestras, including the Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra and the Swedish National Orchestra.

Overall, Jan Håkan Åberg is a highly regarded composer whose music continues to be performed and celebrated by musicians and audiences around the world.