Nicky Sohn

Composer

Nicky Sohn is a Korean-American composer who has quickly emerged as a distinctive voice in contemporary classical music. Her work is known for its rhythmic drive, jazz-influenced language, and colorful orchestration, often praised for its vitality and direct connection with audiences.

Her music has been commissioned and performed by leading ensembles including the Minnesota Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra of St. Luke’s, and the National Orchestra of Korea. She also works extensively in dance and interdisciplinary contexts, collaborating with institutions such as Stuttgart Ballet and the New York Choreographic Institute.

Collaboration lies at the heart of Sohn’s artistic practice. She is particularly drawn to interdisciplinary and socially engaged projects where music becomes a means of connection and storytelling. A notable example is her violin concerto created in partnership with Kinetic Ensemble and The Women’s Home in Houston.

Participating in these concerts

Mini concerts

This year, Musikfestspelen is placing special focus on free concerts. On six days in July, we invite you to enjoy live music in the middle

Opening Concert – From the New World

The official opening concert launches the festival with power and energy: first, theme composer Nicky Sohn’s brand-new A Tale of the Bunny and the Tiger,

Idyl

The concert takes the listener through American soundscapes and Romantic highlights – from Edward MacDowell’s New England Idylls and Nicky Sohn’s poetic Cynthia and Deer

From East to West

The concert opens with Samuel Barber’s String Quartet, best known for its famous Adagio, followed by clarinetist Christoffer Sundqvist bringing clarinet magic to Nicky Sohn’s

Re:Vision

This concert weaves together tradition and renewal through four strong voices from different eras. Charles Ives’s folk-inspired String Quartet is followed by Nicky Sohn’s sparkling

Wings of Light

In this portrait concert with the Stenhammar Quartet, the ensemble truly gives romantic music their all. The programme features Stenhammar’s String Quartet No. 3, Nicky

Rodeo & Rhapsody

In this concert, star oboist Nicholas Daniel is truly given space to shine. The evening opens with Copland’s rhythmic Buckaroo Holiday from the ballet Rodeo,

Rodeo & Rhapsody

In this concert, star oboist Nicholas Daniel is truly given space to shine. The evening opens with Copland’s rhythmic Buckaroo Holiday from the ballet Rodeo,

Final Concert

Romeo och Julia The festival’s closing concert opens with the powerful Montagues and Capulets from Sergei Prokofiev’s ballet Romeo and Juliet. The evening continues with