Konserthuset Stockholm: The 100-year-old concert hall that never sleeps

By Malin Norman

Home to the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, the blue concert hall is one of Stockholm’s most recognisable landmarks. Konserthuset Stockholm is always buzzing and this autumn sees a busy jubilee programme with international stars such as Icelandic pianist Víkingur Ólafsson, Seong-Jin Cho from South Korea, the 100-year-old French-American composer Betsy Jolas and, of course, the Nobel Prize Award Ceremony.

The Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1902 and Konserthuset Stockholm has been its home since 1926. The concert hall is one of Stockholm’s most recognisable landmarks, hosting over 200 concerts per year, including orchestral and chamber music, jazz and world music.

Photo: Yanan Li

“This is the blue building that never sleeps,” smiles Susanne Rydén, executive director and CEO. “At Konserthuset Stockholm, we have a packed programme with activities almost every day of the year. We provide music for all ages, starting with classical music for babies up to 12 months. You can enjoy music here with us throughout your life!”

In celebration of the building’s 100th anniversary, a major renovation of the blue façade has restored its beautiful colour. The blue shade has contributed to making the neoclassical building an iconic Stockholm landmark – a coelin blue chosen in the 1920s by architect Ivar Tengbom and artist Isaac Grünewald.

Víkingur Ólafsson. Photo: Nadja Sjöström

Ryan Bancroft, Víkingur Ólafsson and Betsy Jolas

The renowned Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra gives around 100 concerts annually, with 105 world-class musicians employed. Chief conductor is the prize-winning American Ryan Bancroft, who began his tenure in 2023. “Ryan Bancroft is a warm and inclusive musician, who really manages to capture both orchestra and audience in the music,” says Rydén. “He embarks on his fourth season with a large number of productions – he has become a firm favourite with our audiences!”

The busy autumn programme has plenty more in the pipeline. For instance, Icelandic pianist Víkingur Ólafsson opens the popular piano series on 13 September and, later on, the orchestra will be visited by, among others, Italian pianist Beatrice Rana and the superb Seong-Jin Cho from South Korea, among others.

Swedish soprano Christina Nilsson is making waves too, and will return to Konserthuset Stockholm several times this season, as will violinist Janine Jansen. Many are also anticipating Tomas Ledin to brighten up the autumn darkness, as too will the fascinating 100-year-old French-American composer Betsy Jolas, who is the focus of this year’s international composers’ festival.

“Our concert series Blue House Jazz is also celebrating its anniversary and, this autumn, we welcome several great performers including three major highlights: Cécile McLorin Salvant, Wynton Marsalis with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and pianist Hiromi,” reveals Rydén.

Photo: Yanan Li

House of splendour, for prestigious award ceremonies

Konserthuset Stockholm’s festive atmosphere provides a fantastic backdrop for big events. In fact, it was originally also built with the Nobel Prize Award Ceremony in mind, as explained by Rydén: “The Nobel Prize has been presented here on 10 December every year since 1926, apart from during World War II and the pandemic.”

A highlight is the Nobel Prize Concert, a classical music concert of the highest international standard, arranged every year by Nobel Prize Outreach in cooperation with Konserthuset Stockholm. The concert is part of the official Nobel Week programme and held in honour of the current year’s Nobel Laureates.

While music is at the core, simply entering the building is like stepping inside a living art and design museum, and many visitors enjoy the guided tours, learning about life backstage. For those travelling to Stockholm with children, it is also worth checking out what is happening here. Family Saturday is particularly popular, with tickets usually selling out quickly. Rydén adds: “At Konserthuset Stockholm, we want to offer something for all ages – to feed the curiosity.”