Having grown up in a family of classical musicians, I developed a love and passion for the artform early on in life and began to play the cello at the age of six. I played a wide variety of sports throughout my childhood and engaged myself musically through piano, guitar and singing, however, I was always drawn back to the cello. I found myself loving the lessons I took, especially from the Co-Principal Cellist of the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Mikael Sjögren, engaging in chamber music, as well as several different youth orchestras.
In Sweden, one has to choose a focus of studies and actively apply to high schools - something that is highly overwhelming for any 14 year old. I found out that there was a school that combined a classical cello education with orchestra, chamber music, cello lessons and theory with the standard government curriculum. I followed my young gut instinct of wanting to grow as a cellist and went for it.
After my first year there, I took practising more seriously and was already dreaming of a furthered education within the field. I continued on to complete my bachelor’s degree at the Royal School of Music in Stockholm, studying with the Principal Cellist of the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Elemer Lavotha. In my second year of my undergrad I was part of the Royal School of Music’s Orchestra accompanying Antonin Dvořák’s Cello Concerto - a moment that reassured me that this was exactly what I was meant to do in life.
As my final year approached, I knew that the classical music haven of London had to be my next step in life. After successfully auditioning for a Master of Music at Guildhall School of Music & Drama, I moved to London in 2015 to continue my education. Studying at Guildhall was a wonderfully unique, engaging and inspiring experience. Not only was I privileged to play with incredible musicians I called classmates, but was also given the opportunity to play under the baton of Takuo Yuasa and Michail Jurowski, receive coaching from the Endellion Quartet and even record at Abbey Road with a string quartet. I have now successfully completed my master’s and have since been working with various chamber music groups, continued individual lessons with Ursula Smith and engaged with masterclasses.
When I’m living life away from my cello, I enjoy discovering London and all that it has to offer. Working out, cooking, and learning basically all there is to know about technology are all things that I enjoy doing. I find history fascinating and dedicate potentially a little too much time to shows like How It’s Made.
Guildhall School of Music & Drama
London, UK
Royal College of Music
Stockholm, Sweden
What’s on your playlist right now?
I have lots of them! One is 100% John Mayer, another includes Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra (thanks to a trumpet playing father), Billy Joel, Bing Crosby, some random Swedish bands, Two Door Cinema Club and Bombay Bicycle Club. Yes, I obviously have one with way too much classical music as well.
What's your favourite piece of music, and why do you love it?
Non-classical: Blue Moon by Frank Sinatra - it’s the song that makes me question if classical music was the right choice and consider jazz.
Classical: Verklärte Nacht arranged for string orchestra by Arnold Schoenberg - it reassures me that classical music is the right choice.