Niklas Sivelöv

Niklas Sivelöv is a Professor and Subject Group Leader in Piano at The Royal Danish Academy of Music (DKDM), a position he has held since 2008. He has significantly shaped DKDM’s educational programs, including pioneering the Master’s degree in piano and upcoming programs in chamber music. A renowned pianist and composer, his career blends performance, pedagogy, and innovation. He is celebrated for bridging classical traditions with modern improvisation, exemplified by collaborations with jazz pianist Carsten Dahl.

Education: Trained at the Royal Academy of Music in Stockholm, with further studies in Helsinki, Bucharest, and London. His teaching philosophy emphasizes personal student development, focusing on tone, expression, and technical mastery for lifelong musical careers. He has led masterclasses globally, including at the Universität für Musik Wien, Yale School of Music, and Shanghai Conservatory.

Research interests span classical piano repertoire (Bach to Nørgård), improvisation, and composition. His compositional works include six symphonies, five piano concertos, and chamber pieces. Key awards include the Knight of the Dannebrog (2017) and a People’s Choice Award at the Independent Music Awards (2009). He has recorded over 50 CDs, notable for 'Improvisational One' and Berwald’s symphonies on Naxos.

Leadership roles include Artistic Director of Engelsbergs Festival (2007–2009) and jury memberships for international competitions. Upcoming projects include recordings of Skrjabin’s complete sonatas and a collaboration with Carsten Dahl. His work integrates pedagogy, performance, and composition, fostering both traditional and experimental musical practices.