Rehnqvist, Karin

Karin Rehnqvist is one of Sweden’s most prominent and internationally recognized composers. With her unique combination of Nordic tradition, experimental vocal technique and daring musical innovation, she has contributed to expanding the boundaries of what contemporary art music can be. Her works are marked by a strong connection to Swedish folk music, often utilizing the technique of “kulning”, a traditional vocal technique that she has taken to a new artistic level within contemporary musicmaking.

Rehnqvist has created an impressive and varied catalogue of works during her career, from chamber music to orchestral works and vocal music, which have been performed by leading ensembles around the world. She has also had four works performed at various WNMD festivals. As the first woman to be named professor of composition at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, Rehnqvist has also been a pioneer for gender equality in the academic world and a role model for female composers. Through her work, not only as a composer but also as the founder of the equality-promoting composer’s organization KVAST, she has not simply contributed to the development of new music but also actively taken part in creating a more inclusive musical life in general.

It is difficult to overstate Rehnqvist’s importance internationally. Her works have been chosen for the ISCM World New Music Days on several occasions, which bears witness to her ability to speak to a global audience in a language rooted both in tradition and a courageous forward looking vision.