GRÄNSLANDET – A SYMPHONIC FESTIVAL 2021

With a strong commitment to take classical music to new places and reach a wider audience, pianist David Huang and conductor Christian Karlsen founded Gränslandet – A Symphonic Festival.
Since the Summer of 2017, together with some of the best musicians and artists of our time, they have created unique music experiences for people of all ages, regardless of background and previous musical knowledge.

Gränslandet – A Symphonic Festival is produced by David Huang and Christian Karlsen in collaboration with Trädgården. This year’s 2021 festival was implemented with support from Music Development and Heritage Sweden, the City of Stockholm, The Cultural Council, Stockholm County Council, Signatur Foundation Sweden, the Gålö Foundation and partnerships with Yamaha Piano Center Stockholm and the Royal Opera.

The 2021 festival neither cancelled nor postponed

Ecstasy, the joy of life and man’s longing for freedom linked the 2021 Gränslandet – A Symphonic Festival which paid tribute to and was inspired by people who took great risks and stood up to express their inner truth. Sweden’s largest festival for young people and classical music celebrated finally meeting its long-awaited audience again.
The festival took place at Trädgården in Stockholm on 20-21 August, “husband” of the Symphony Orchestra, the hand-picked 60-man orchestra consisting of many of the country’s foremost young musicians.

“What has long been a dream came true on August 21-22 – to be reunited with the audience under the bridge after what feels like an eternity has filled our hearts with life and love. Thank you, dear audience, for coming and making this year’s Gränslandet something extra special that we will never forget.
The fact that the festival even exists is a testament to the team effort required of us all. Therefore, thank you to those of you who have contributed to us being able to produce an unforgettable experience against all odds.  Fantastic musicians, artists and dancers who on stage so bravely express what you feel. Producers, stage workers, sound, light and decor as well as communicators for your extremely hard work, incredible knowledge and experience; without you there would have been nothing. Robert Fux for sprinkling glitter in our hearts like the icing on the cake. Benjamin Staern for your incredible arrangements. Trädgården
 for your incredible hospitality and the courage to even consider a symphony orchestra under a motorway bridge.
We would also like to thank our partners Yamaha, the Royal Opera, Södra Latin High School for everything you give and everything you are and finally our financial partners  Signatur Foundation Sweden, Kulturrådet, Musikverket, Stockholmstad, Regionstockholm and Gålöstiftelsen for the trust you have placed in us to manage and extend culture to more people.”
– David Huang & Christian Karlsen.

For more info about the programme, visit www.symfoniskfest.se