Benjamin Staern (b. 1978) has established himself as one of the leading Scandinavian composers of his generation, with his music performed in Scandinavia, Europe, the USA, Canada, Russia, and Japan.

He began his musical journey studying cello, piano, and percussion during his youth. Staern studied musicology at Lund University, followed by composition at the Malmö Academy of Music from 1998 to 2005, under professors Rolf Martinsson, Hans Gefors, Kent Olofsson, and Luca Francesconi.

Staern’s deeply personal style encompasses a diverse output, including orchestral works, chamber music, solo pieces, electroacoustic compositions, and operas. Notably, Staern possesses the unique ability to associate tones and timbres with various colors and shades.

This variant of synesthesia fundamentally influences his perception and creativity, shaping his sonic world and manifesting in many of his works.

(300 words)

Updated March 2025