Inger Wikström facts for kids

Inger Wikstrom is a talented Swedish musician. She is known for playing the piano, writing music, and leading orchestras. She was born on December 11, 1939.

Early Life and Music

Inger Wikstrom started playing the piano when she was six years old. She studied music in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. By the time she was sixteen, she was skilled enough to perform with the Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra. She played as a soloist, meaning she performed by herself with the orchestra.

Becoming a Concert Pianist

Inger Wikstrom became a successful concert pianist. She performed for the first time in major cities around the world. These cities included Stockholm, Berlin, London, and New York City. Later, she traveled even more, performing in many countries. Her tours took her to the United States, Latin America, Russia, Israel, Africa, China, Japan, and Australia.

Family and Music School

Inger Wikstrom married David Bartov. They had three children together. The family moved to a place called Österskär. In 1977, Inger and David opened a music school there. It was called the Nordic Music Conservatory.

Nordic Chamber Opera

The music school later changed its name. In 1980, it became the Nordic Chamber Opera. This shows how Inger Wikstrom helped create a place for music and opera. She is also a member of important music groups in Sweden. These include The Society of Swedish Composers and the Royal Swedish Academy of Music.

Her Family's Musical Connections

Inger Wikstrom has a sister named Gunnel Biberfeld. Her daughter, Mira Bartov, is also involved in music as an opera director. Inger Wikstrom was married to a politician named Jan-Erik Wikström from 1980 to 1990.

Awards and Recognition

Inger Wikstrom has received several awards for her musical talents. These awards show how much her work is appreciated around the world.

• Order of Cavalliero de Rio Branco
• Adelaide Ristori Prize
• Bartok medal
• Villa Lobos medal
• Natur och Kultur Culture Award (1992)

Musical Works

Inger Wikstrom has written many different types of music. She has composed chamber music, which is music for a small group of instruments. She has also written song cycles, which are groups of songs meant to be performed together.

Operas by Inger Wikstrom

Inger Wikstrom is especially known for composing operas. Operas are plays where the story is told mostly through singing. She has created several operas, including:

• La Mère Coupable
• The Nightingale
• The Confession of a Fool (a chamber opera based on a text by August Strindberg)
• Peter Pan (a fairy tale opera)
• A Madman's Defence

Recordings

Inger Wikstrom's music has been released on many albums. She has more than forty albums of her recordings available.