Johan Hammerth

Swedish composer, born 27 February 1953 in Kalmar. He was educated at the Royal Academy of Music in Stockholm 1982–1990. He graduated in composition in 1990 and graduated with the first piano concerto. Among his teachers are Sven-David Sandström, Pär Lindgren, Daniel Börtz and Lars-Erik Rosell. Piano Concerto No. 1 (1989–90), dedicated to Sven-David Sandström, won a large audience and can be considered his breakthrough work. Hammerth's music is characterized by a broad and virtuoso, strongly expressive performance, on several occasions interpreted by Bengt-Åke Lundin who also premiered Piano Concerto No. 2 (1993-95). If any instrument is to be emphasized as particularly important to Hammerth, it is precisely the piano. In addition, the strings have an important function in his orchestral work and collaborate with, among others, wind instruments in powerful culminations that are characteristic of his music. Johan Hammerth works all over the art music field, from chamber music to huge orchestral works. He has written several concerts for solo instruments and orchestra. A notable work is Stockholmskantat (1995–97) for large orchestra, choir, two soloists and reciter, composed for the Capital of Culture year in Stockholm 1998. Hammerth was a member of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra's program council in 1992–96. He works mainly as a composer but also teaches instrumentation at the Royal Academy of Music.