Konserthuset Stockholm: the blue 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. With more than 200 concerts per year, the building is always buzzing. This autumn sees a busy schedule outlined; with a Barbara Streisand tribute, a festive Strauss celebration, the return of legend Herbert Blomstedt and, of course, the prestigious Nobel Prize Award Ceremony.

The Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1902 and Konserthuset Stockholm has been its home since 1926. The blue 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, exhibitions, and other events.

“This is the blue building that never sleeps,” smiles Susanne Rydén, executive director and CEO. “At Konserthuset Stockholm, we have a fully-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 all throughout your life!”

Photo: Mats Lundqvist

Ryan Bancroft and the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra

The renowned Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra has 105 employed world-class musicians. It gives around 100 concerts annually, and is among the most active streaming players worldwide.

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. “Take the opportunity to come and see him in action this autumn.”

Ryan Bancroft and the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra embarked on their first European tour together this spring, joined by, among others, soprano Nina Stemme. The tour was a resounding success, with performances in Gothenburg, Munich, Cologne, Hamburg, Dortmund, Luxembourg and Vienna.

Herbert Blomstedt makes a return to the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic with Bruckner’s Ninth Symphony on 20 and 22 November. Photo: Nadja Sjöström

Streisand, waltzing Straus, and legend Herbert Blomstedt

This autumn sees a busy schedule in the blue concert hall. On 4-6 September, Konserthuset Stockholm presents Movies, Memories and Broadway, a tribute to Barbara Streisand. The lavish gala show captures the many highlights of a remarkable career and Streisand’s most beloved songs will be performed by Lisa Nilsson, Tommy Körberg and the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of Joakim Hallin.

Celebrating 200 years of Johann Strauss II, Masters of the Waltz takes place 9 and 11 October. “When it comes to festivity and elegance in the world of music, few names shine brighter than Johann Strauss II,” says the CEO. “This year marks the 200th anniversary of his birth – celebrated with a concert brimming with sparkling waltzes and whirling polkas.”

Make sure not to miss Bruckner’s Ninth Symphony on 20 and 22 November. Sweden’s most internationally renowned conductor, Herbert Blomstedt, makes a return to the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic, bringing with him a composer he has devoted his entire life to: Anton Bruckner. This is a not-to-be-missed concert, means Rydén: “Herbert Blomstedt is a legend, 98 years old and still going strong. Don’t miss the chance to see his magic this autumn, you won’t regret it!”

Tommy Körberg and Lisa Nilsson will perform in Movies, Memories and Broadway, a tribute to Barbara Streisand, on 4-6 September. Photo: Nadja Sjöström

House of splendour, for prestigious award ceremonies

Konserthuset Stockholm’s festive atmosphere provides a fantastic backdrop for big events. In fact, it was originally 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 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.

With the 100th anniversary in 2026 approaching, a major renovation of the blue façade is underway to restore the building’s 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. “Konserthuset Stockholm certainly is a special building in itself, but also a buzzing hub for music,” concludes Rydén.

Photo: Niklas Elmehed

Web: www.konserthuset.se
Facebook: Konserthuset Stockholm
Instagram: @konserthusetstockholm

Free streaming service Konserthuset Play features recorded concerts by the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, and also much more from the broader offering, such as jazz, chamber music and concerts for children. World-class performances are available for free streaming anywhere in the world here: konserthuset.se/en/play