Anders Hillborg - Orchestral and Concertante Works I (Christian Karlsen)

Information

Composer: Anders Hillborg

• Piano Concerto No. 1
• Kongsgaard Variations
• Vaporised Tivoli
• Cello Concerto

Tamara Stefanovich, piano

Nicolas Altstaedt, cello

Swedish Chamber Orchestra

Christian Karlsen, conductor

Date: 2026

Label: BIS

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Following his acclaimed recording of Galina Ustvolskaya’s symphonies, conductor Christian Karlsen reunites with the Swedish Chamber Orchestra to present orchestral and concertante works by Anders Hillborg, one of Sweden’s most performed contemporary composers. The programme features Piano Concerto No. 1, performed by Tamara Stefanovich, and the more intimate Cello Concerto, written for and performed by Nicolas Altstaedt. It also includes the reflective Kongsgaard Variations, inspired by Beethoven’s Op. 111, and the vivid Vaporised Tivoli. Together, these works highlight Hillborg’s distinctive blend of lyrical depth, rhythmic energy, and imaginative orchestral colour.

Christian Karlsen (born 1985) is a Swedish conductor widely regarded as a leading interpreter of contemporary music, while also noted for his work in classical repertoire, particularly Mozart and Haydn. He began his career early, collaborating at age twenty with Karlheinz Stockhausen, and has since worked closely with major composers such as Sir George Benjamin, Kaija Saariaho, and Steve Reich. Karlsen regularly appears with prominent orchestras including the London Philharmonic, BBC Philharmonic, Ensemble Modern, and the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra. He has also led innovative stage productions at major European opera houses and founded educational initiatives such as the Gränslandet festival in Stockholm, aimed at introducing new audiences to classical music.