Fredrik Sixten

About the composer

Fredrik Sixten (born 1962 in Västra Götalands län, Sweden) trained as an organist and conductor, studying composition with Professor Sven-David Sandström. His career includes roles as organist and choir director in Vänersborg (1991-2000), artistic director and conductor of the Gothenburg Boys’ Choir (1997-2001), organist of Härnösand Cathedral (2001-2013), and Cathedral Organist in Nidarosdomen, Trondheim (2013-2014). By 2014, Sixten transitioned to being a full-time composer due to the increasing number of commissions he received.

Sixten’s compositions reflect his deep and varied knowledge of musical history. He draws inspiration from baroque master Johann Sebastian Bach and 20th-century French composers, while also integrating jazz techniques and Swedish folk music. His work primarily consists of liturgical music for organ and choir, but he also composes instrumental music in various forms. While traditional in structure, his compositions often feature a contemporary tonal language and explore themes such as gender roles and regional expressions.

His major works include operas, oratorios, and passions, along with chamber works like sonatas, toccatas, and preludes. One of his notable compositions, “En svensk Markuspassion” (2003), is the first setting of the Passion in Swedish, influenced by Swedish folk music, and the first to feature a female singer as the Evangelist.

With his background as a church musician, Sixten has composed music that is suitable for both concert performance and liturgical use. He has created a wide range of material accessible to average congregations and choirs, including many choral works of moderate difficulty. Sixten has also contributed to the revision of the Swedish national hymn book. His music appeals to both specialists and non-specialists, as he strives to create music that is pleasing to the ear while occasionally challenging in harmony and form.

In his instrumental music, Sixten seeks to communicate effectively, blending traditional and modern elements. He aims for a synthesis of both styles rather than being confined to one, ensuring his music resonates broadly with diverse audiences.