"I expect a high musical level"

The collaboration between the School of Music at Luleå University of Technology and the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra is unique in Sweden. In the course, the student acquires an important transition from being a student to becoming a professional musicians.
– This link is extremely important, says Hermann Stefánsson from the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra.

Icelandic Hermann Stefánsson has been solo clarinetist in the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra and the Stockholm Sinfonietta since 1995. Prior to that, he held the same position in the Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra.

He has been a soloist with many Swedish and foreign orchestras, among them the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Iceland Symphony Orchestra. In addition, he regularly participates in the Concert Hall's chamber music series.

What are your thoughts on collaboration between the School of Music at Luleå University of Technology and the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra?

– It is an extremely important link between study time and the active professional market. Via the Orchestra Academy the student get an important transition from student to professional musician, something that is often lacking in today's education.

Why did you choose to collaborate with the School of Music at Luleå University of Technology?

– The School of Music has long been a driving force in this important point and the RSPO would like to be involved in this development. Our two institutions meet here in a shared ambition which is very exciting. For me personally, I am delighted to be working with the School of Music in Piteå, where I have been both student and teacher and have many friends among the teachers.

Will you supervise students in the new course RSPO Orchestra Academy?

– I will have primary responsibility for the clarinet student. I am also the assistant coordinator of the course.

How would you describe yourself as a teacher?

– Demanding. Patient. Caring. Passionate. Hopefully skilled...

What expectations do you have on students who are applying?

– I expect a high musical level of the applicants. I also expect that they have musical curiosity and artistic courage to explore and fully consider the impulses we Philharmonic will convey. Our dream is that these young musicians after the completion time in Stockholm will conquer the orchestral world with their high quality and competence.