ABOUT
CHRISTIAN
Swedish violinist Christian Svarfvar is a celebrated musician recognized for being one of Scandinavia's most accomplished and versatile violinists with a track record of performing all the major violin concertos alongside prestigious orchestras. He has recorded multiple albums, including three in partnership with the esteemed London Philharmonic Orchestra.
With a deep-rooted passion for music and a remarkable career trajectory, Svarfvar stands as one of the Nordic country's most cherished musical talents." Musical mastership, virtuosic control, and sensibility equally mastered." Luxemburg Wort
His artistry resonates far and wide, having performed in prestigious venues across the globe, including solo performances at iconic locales such as Carnegie Hall, Musikverein, Concertgebouw, Cité de la Musique, Kölner Philharmonie, Birmingham Symphony Hall, Bozar, Seoul Art Center, Tchaikovsky Concert Hall, Luxembourg Philharmonie and Megaron, Athen.
Nurtured in a household of musicians, Svarfvar's journey began under the guidance of his father, Sven-Ole Svarfvar, former 1st Concertmaster of the Norwegian Opera and Swedish Chamber Orchestra.
At a mere twelve years old, Svarfvar made his solo debut with the Mendelssohn violin concerto alongside the Swedish Chamber Orchestra. This pivotal moment marked the inception of a great journey that would see Svarfvar continue his musical education.
Building upon this early success, Svarfvar embarked on a path of rigorous musical training. He further honed his craft through studies at the Stockholm Royal College of Music and the esteemed Juilliard School, New York. These institutions provided Svarfvar with world-class training, enriching his musical foundation and preparing him for a career defined by virtuosity and artistic merit.
"His dreamy approach is mesmeric. His tone gleams and the way he tugs yearningly on the leading tones draws one in. Svarfvar's playing radiates tenderness."
Andrew Farach -Colton
Gramophone
VERSATILE SOLOIST AND COLLABORATOR
Svarfvar's ascent reached new heights when he was appointed "rising star" by the European Concert Hall Organization (ECHO). This prestigious accolade propelled him onto the world's premier concert platforms, including renowned halls such as the Concertgebouw, Musikverein, Bozar, and Cité de la Musique. His debut recital at New York's Carnegie Hall as part of the Distinctive Debuts series affirmed his status as a compelling performer.
As a chamber musician, Svarfvar has performed and collaborated with such admired musicians as Janine Jansen, Julian Rachlin, Clemens Hagen, Tabea Zimmerman, Martin Fröst, Frans Helmersson, Maxim Rysanov, and Boris Brovtsyn.
His engagements span a distinguished spectrum of orchestras, including the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic, London Philharmonic, Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra, Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra, Malmö Symphony Orchestra, Norrköping Symphony Orchestra, Swedish Chamber Orchestra, Istanbul Philharmonic and Swedish Radio Symphony, among others. Notably, Svarfvar's repertoire extends beyond traditional boundaries, with collaborations alongside contemporary composers such as Howard Shore, Steve Reich, and Kaija Saariaho.
One example is his premiere performance of Howard Shore's violin concerto "Eastern Promises," which was conducted by Shore himself and performed with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra. Shore is a three-time Oscar-winning composer known for his work on films such as "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy and "The Hobbit."
INNOVATION
DISCOGRAPHY
AND ACCLAIM
Svarfvar's recording boasts a catalog that showcases his artistry and versatility. His most recent album, "The Symphonic Touch of Benny Andersson," a symphonic reimagining of compositions by Benny Andersson, arranged by Anders Berglund and recorded together with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, received tremendous media attention and widespread acclaim in Sweden and beyond, a testament to his artistic vision and creative prowess.
"Christian Svarfvar and pianist Roland Pöntinen, whose sense of French chamber music is currently unparalleled among Swedish musicians" (Dagens Nyheter), have captivated both critics and audiences with their nuanced interpretations of works by Fauré, Ravel, and Debussy.
(Après Un Rêve, Bis).
Their collaborative efforts have earned widespread acclaim, culminating in accolades such as "Recording of the Year” by Dagens Nyheter, Sweden's largest and most influential newspaper."
The Strad described it as “Breathtaking performances” and called it “An outstanding release.”
Svarfvar's rendition of the Grieg violin sonatas garnered high praise from prominent publications, with the Financial Times hailing: Pure pleasure, buoyed by Svarfvar’s fearless expression, rock-solid technique, and stylistic acumen. This gifted violinist has done us – and
Grieg – a big favour, and we must hear more from him." 5/5
DISCOGRAPHY AND
ACCLAIM
DISCOGRAPHY
AND ACCLAIM
INNOVATION
Beyond his virtuosic performances, Svarfvar is an innovator in expanding the horizons of classical music. He thrives on collaborative endeavors that bridge genres and transcend conventions, ensuring the enduring relevance of classical music in contemporary society.
His recent groundbreaking release, the J.S. Bach Violin Concertos recomposed (Infinite Bach) by Johan Ullén, recorded with the London Philharmonic in Abbey Road Studios - garnered international attention and over a million streams within a month of its release.
Beyond his virtuosic performances, Svarfvar is an innovator in expanding the horizons of classical music. He thrives on collaborative endeavors that bridge genres and transcend conventions, ensuring the enduring relevance of classical music in contemporary society.
His recent groundbreaking release, the J.S. Bach Violin Concertos reimagined by Johan Ullén, recorded with the London Philharmonic in Abbey Road Studios - garnered international attention and over a million streams within a month of its release.
INNOVATION
ARTISTIC VISION AND
CULTURAL IMPACT
Christian is always pushing the boundaries of classical music's impact on society and culture. He's constantly seeking out innovative collaborations with artists and organizations from a wide range of genres, all in the name of expanding the reach and relevance of classical music in the modern world.
Christian plays on a Sanctus Seraphin 1736 on an extended loan to him by the Järnåker Foundation.
ARTISTIC VISION AND
CULTURAL IMPACT
INNOVATION
ARTISTIC VISION
AND CULTURAL IMPACT
