Renowned for his artistic temperament, impeccable technique, and spellbinding stage presence, Swedish pianist and composer Niklas Sivelöv has captivated audiences across four continents. His performances at venues such as the Leipzig Gewandhaus, Carnegie Hall, the Barbican, Kennedy Center, and Tivoli in Copenhagen have established him as one of Scandinavia’s leading pianists. A prolific composer, he has written extensively for piano, orchestra, and chamber ensembles. He has also distinguished himself in the industry by not only crafting his own cadenzas but also maintaining a strong and vibrant relationship with the art of improvisation. Additionally, Sivelöv leads orchestras from the piano, demonstrating his versatility as both a soloist and conductor.
His extensive discography includes recordings for BIS, Caprice, Dacapo, Naxos, Toccata Classics, and AMC Classical, with several earning prestigious awards such as the Diapason d’Or, CHOC, and the Penguin Rosette. His interpretations are widely celebrated for their emotional authenticity and technical brilliance.
“Niklas Sivelöv is one of the most versatile, bold pianists on the international music scene. The artist from Sweden combines flawless technique with a keen sense of musical depth. His interpretations are not only technically brilliant but also characterized by an emotional authenticity that speaks directly to the listener.”
– Dirk Schauss, Classical Reviewer
His repertoire spans from Bach to Bartók, with a particular emphasis on Scandinavian composers. He has performed over 50 piano concertos, including six of his own, and his compositions include six symphonies, 24 piano preludes, and various chamber works. As an improviser, his critically acclaimed album Improvisational 1 won The Independent Music Award for Best Classical Album, making him the first Scandinavian to receive the honor.
Sivelöv has collaborated with leading orchestras such as the Stockholm Philharmonic, Zürich Tonhalle, Suisse Romande, and the Prague Radio Symphony, working with conductors like Esa-Pekka Salonen, Alan Gilbert, Kristjan Järvi, Sakari Oramo, Jukka-Pekka Saraste, and Leif Segerstam. His chamber music partnerships include collaborations with Martin Fröst, Leonid Gorokhov, Patrick Gallois, and Zakhar Bron. Read More Show Less
Born in Skellefteå, Sweden, Sivelöv began playing the organ at the age of six and composed his first works soon after. A self-taught musician until 14, he later studied with Gabriel Amiras and Maria Curcio Diamond, protégés of Heinrich Neuhaus and Artur Schnabel. Today, he is a professor at the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen and resides in Malmö. In recognition of his contributions to music, he was knighted by the Queen of Denmark as a Knight of the Order of Dannebrog.
Video
Presenting Niklas Sivelöv
0:00 J.S. Bach Concerto f minor-finale
0:30 F. Högberg Ice Concerto
1:02 N. Sivelov Les chaves-souris choréographique
1:20 J.S. Bach Courante from Partita no. 2
2:27 A.N. Skrjabin Desir opus 57
2:58 E. Smaldone Prendendo Fuoco
