Born in 1968 in Hässleholm, Sweden, Fredrik Andersson has been Programme Director of the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra (RSPO) and of the Konserthuset Stockholm since 2015. Recognised for his strategy of expanding and diversifying the orchestra’s musical repertoire, he has focused on discovering and revealing works by women composers. The RSPO’s long tours of Europe and Asia under the direction of its principal conductors have also been one of the hallmarks of his direction.

Fredrik Andersson has held various positions in other prestigious institutions and orchestras in his country, including with the Royal Swedish Opera in Stockholm between 2007 and 2015, the Västerås Sinfonietta between 2003 and 2007, and the NorrlandsOperan (Swedish Opera Company in Umeå) in 2002 and 2003.

On his appointment, Andersson stated: ”I’m very excited and happy to become the next Director of Music at the Gulbenkian Foundation and I’m looking very much forward to work with the wonderful orchestra, chorus and all the staff at this amazing place! With my deep and sincere passion for music I hope that we’ll be able to create great things together, for the pleasure and joy of our audiences both in Lisbon, Portugal and abroad.”

His passion for music began at an early age: it was as a trombonist that Fredrik Andersson stood out at the beginning of his career, studying with legendary Swedish jazz musician Nils Landgren. After military service in the Royal Swedish Army Band, he studied at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm 1988-92.

Member of the jury for the Swedish Grammy Awards and the Swedish Music Publishers’ Prize for several years, he was also a member of the jury for the Carl Nielsen International Flute Competition in 2019 and 2022.

Fredrik Andersson will take over the position held since 2009 by Finnish Director Risto Nieminen, who will retire next year.

Fotografia © Nadja Sjöstrom