Anders Paulsson


Anders Paulsson, born 14 October 1961, is a Swedish soprano saxophonist.
After studies at the Adolf Fredrik's Music School in Stockholm, the Royal College of Music in Stockholm and the Conservatoire de Bordeaux in France,
Anders Paulsson received a Fulbright scholarship for studies at the Manhattan School of Music, New York City.
After his debut in 1992 in Carnegie Hall, Anders Paulsson has performed hundreds of concerts as a soprano saxophone soloist worldwide.
He is probably the first musician in the world to have a solo career as a classical soprano saxophonist with the focus on commissioning new music from living composers.
He has appeared as soloist with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic, the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Swedish Radio Choir, Saint Petersburg Philharmonic, Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, Sweden-based organist Andrew Canning, organist Gunnar Idenstam, pianist Magnus Svensson and cellist Svante Henryson
His compositions for choir, soprano saxophone & organ are published on Gehrmans Music Publishing.
In 2012 Anders Paulsson was awarded the Royal Medal Litteris et Artibus for prominent artistic achievements as soprano saxophonist.
Composer in Residence MIAGI Youth Orchestra, South Africa 2013-2015
Anders Paulsson composed a for the 20th Anniversary of Democracy in South Africa.
Founder of together with scientists from Stockholm Resilience Centre.
Combining science and music to raise awareness of the worlds coral reefs and what is needed to safeguard them for future generations.
Composed CORAL SYMPHONY for Hawai´i Symphony Orchestra for the International Coral Reef Symposium based on the Indigenous Hawaiian Creation Chant Kumulipo with Kahu Aaron Mahi as chanting soloist conducted by Grammy winner JoAnn Falletta.

Categories

1984-1986
Golden Clapperboard for best film music 1994 together with Johan Söderqvist.
Royal Medal Litteris et Artibus 2012
Fulbright Alumni Award 2019

Discography

"Paulsson´s Aho CD receives highest possible score: 10/10/10
http://www.klassik-heute.de/4daction/www_medien_einzeln?id=22406
“Paulsson as a soloist confidently holds together the slowly increasing drama in a sovereign way.”
https://nordische-musik.de/komponist.php?id_komponist=1012
“Goodness, I haven’t heard such accomplished, sure-footed playing since Branford Marsalis in American Spectrum”
http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2018/Jul/Aho_concertos_BIS2216.htm
“Anders Paulsson is flawless”
http://www.klassik-heute.de/4daction/www_medien_einzeln?id=22406
"Anders Paulsson evince admirable musicianship"
- Richard Whitehouse, Gramophone*The World's Best Classical Music Reviews
https://www.gramophone.co.uk/review/aho-concerto-for-soprano-saxophone-quintet
“An utterly convincing performance with a stunning precision and presence.”
http://www.gp.se/kultur/musik/klangerna-flyger-h%C3%B6gt-och-skarpt-1.4815571
“A great concerto by Kalevi Aho for soprano saxophone and chamber orchestra.”
https://yle.fi/aihe/artikkeli/2017/10/04/aho-kehittyy-edelleen
“Anders Paulsson, for whom Kalevi Aho wrote the Soprano Saxophone concerto, plays with a fabulous tone and a technique that also makes the most infernal tricks seem completely self-evident.”
https://www.hbl.fi/artikel/den-forsmadda-sopransaxofonen-i-centrum/
"The great Kalevi Aho Concerto is devoted to Anders Paulsson, whose delicate, ECM-style interpretation style has guided it.
Paulsson is loaded with all the necessary intensity and he carries the melodies gloriously.
https://yle.fi/aihe/artikkeli/2017/10/04/aho-kehittyy-edelleen '
“Swedish Concertos for Soprano Saxophone is a splendid recording - a real high”
https://www.gramophone.co.uk/review/swedish-concertos-for-saxophone
“Paulsson briljerade med sin suveräna teknik och visade upp sitt instruments nästan obegränsade omfång.”
"Paulsson's superb technique showed his instrument´s almost unlimited range."
https://www.corren.se/kultur-noje/recensioner/musik-i-mastarklass-om4056647.aspx
Virtuosen Anders Paulsson träffar rätt i Svenska Konserter för Sopransaxofon!
Veckans toppnotering blev sopransaxofonkonserter med solisten Anders Paulsson och musik av Rolf Martinsson, Sven-David Sandström och Anders Eliasson.
Veckans totalfemma!
https://sverigesradio.se/sida/avsnitt/143607?programid=2471
“Starkast lyser solostämman i Anders Eliassons saxofonkonsert; likt ljusstrimmor som leker mot en nattsvart väv”
"The most luminous soloist part is in the Anders Eliassons saxophone concerto; like light streaks playing against a night black fabric"
https://www.dn.se/kultur-noje/skivrecensioner/anders-paulsson-sopransaxofonkonserter/

Orchestral compositions

published by
World Premiere April 1, 2017
Neal Blaisdell Concert Hall, Honolulu, HI, USA
Hawai´i Symphony Orchestra
conducted by Grammy winner JoAnn Falletta.
Kahu Aaron Mahi Chant Soloist
CELEBRATION SUITE
World Premiere September 25, 2013
Soweto Theatre, South Africa
MIAGI Youth Orchestra
conducted by Tshepo Tsotetsi

Compositions for Choir & Soprano Saxophone

published by
Danjugan Sanctuary
Subterranean Wail
Rising Seas
Deep Water Interlude
Advent Music
Betlehem
Bright Morning Stars
Deep River
Swing Low Sweet Chariot
Heaven Come Down
Nobody Knows the Trouble I´ve Seen
Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child
Hymn to Life
Uppståndelsens Morgon
Skärgårdsakvarell
Varifrån kommer vinden

Compositions for Choir

published by
Jag har sett Dig gå över ängen
Tårar
Vårens makt
I Rörelse
Stjärnorna växer om våren
COMPOSITIONS for Choir
published by
Great Spirit Prayer
I Did Not Die
Channel of Peace
Balm of Gilead
Var inte rädd för mörkret
Hallowed be Thy Name
Fader Vår

Compositions for Soprano Saxophone

published by
Lullaby for soprano saxophone solo
world premiere June 14, 1987 Kungsholms Church, Sweden;
US premiere May 1, 1988 Cathedral of S:t John the Divine, New York City
Anthem for the Homeless for soprano saxophone & organ
world premiere April 8, 1989 S:t Peter's Church, New York City, USA, Harry Huff
Toccata for soprano saxophone & organ; world premiere December 20, 1989 Stockholm, Kungsholm Church, Harry Huff

World Premieres

New music for soprano saxophone dedicated to* and premiered by Anders Paulsson:
2018
Gunnar Idenstam Trois Esquisses* for soprano saxophone solo
World premiere November 8, Missionskyrkan, Linköping
Erik Wickström ONE* for soprano saxophone & piano
World premiere recording February 17, S:t Görans Kyrka
2017
Anders Eliasson Symphony nr 3, Sinfonia Concertante
Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra conducted by Johannes Gustavsson
World Premiere of Soprano Saxophone version November 8 & 9, Göteborgs Konserthus, November 10, Recording by BIS
Anders Paulsson Kumulipo Reflections for Hawai´i Symphony Orchestra conducted by Grammy Award-winning JoAnn Falletta and Native Kahu Aaron Mahi performing the Native Hawaiian Creation Chant Kumulipo.
World Premiere at Blaisdell Concert Hall, Honolulu, April 1 & 2.
Jörgen Dafgård* Concerto for Soprano Saxophone and Orchestra
Jönköpings Sinfonietta conducted by Johannes Gustavsson.
World Premiere January 29.
2016
David Conte* Elegy for soprano saxophone & piano
World Premiere November 19, Jokkmokks Gamla Kyrka
with Kristina Shtegman, piano
Thomas Simaku My Beautiful Morea
for soprano saxophone & piano
World Premiere November 19, Jokkmokks Gamla Kyrka
with Kristina Shtegman, piano
Anders Paulsson Pleiades for Saxophone Quartet
World Premiere, October 22, Kungsholms Kyrka, Stockholm
2015
Kalevi Aho* Concerto for soprano saxophone & chamber orchestra*
World Premiere: November 11, Rovaniemi, Finland
Lapland Chamber Orchestra, John Storgårds conductor
Bob Mintzer* Off the Cuff * for soprano saxophone solo
World Premiere: March 3, Swedish Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa
Anders Hillborg Plainsong & Echoes
First performance: version for soprano sax and string quintet
February 13, Kungliga Musikhögskolan, Stockholm
Kjell Andersson* Spinal Encore
World Premiere: February 13, Kungliga Musikhögskolan, Stockholm
Anders Paulsson soprano sax
Matilda Norlöv, violin
Alva Press, violin
Johan Höglind, viola
Filip Lundberg, violoncell
Fredrik Wadman, doublebass
2014
Henrik Måwe* Dragtime in W
for soprano saxophone, violin, piano, bass & drums
World Premiere: Confidencen Castle Theatre, June 17, 2014
Svante Henryson* En Vapenvägrares Historia
for soprano saxophone, violin, piano, bass & drums
World Premiere: Confidencen Castle Theatre, June 17, 2014
2013
Anders Paulsson Celebration Suite
Celebrating 20 years of Democracy in South Africa
World Premiere: September 25, Soweto Theatre, South Africa
Miagi Youth Orchestra, Tshepo Tsotetsi, conductor
European Premiere: June 29, 2014
Berlin Philharmonic Hall, Brandon Phillips conductor
Hayk Melikyan* Le berger infidéle
for soprano saxophone, violin, cello, harpsichord & piano
World Premiere: Confidencen Castle Theatre, June 13, 2013
2012
Rolf Martinsson*
GOLDEN HARMONY, Concerto for soprano saxophone & orchestra
World Première with Symfoniorkestern NorrlandsOperan,
Christoph Altstaedt, conductor
NorrlandsOperan, Umeå, Sweden, September 6, 2012
Co-commissioned and generously funded by DalaSinfoniettan & NorrlandsOperan
2010
Ad Wammes* FAITH for soprano saxophone & organ, Argument – Prière – Reconciliation – Rejoice
World Première with Andrew Canning
at Lutherse Kerk, Groningen, Netherlands, October 22, 2010
2009
Sven Hagvil* Andante Largamente & Vivo e grazioso ur Colori d´ell Anima
Vadstena Klosterkyrka, October 17, 2009
Charlotte Hasselqvist* Vad Du är skön min älskade
for S.t Matteus Choir, soprano sax, piano & bass, Sonny Jansson, conductor
June 14, 2009,
2008
Anders Eliasson Concerto for soprano saxophone & orchestra
World Premiere of soprano saxophone version:
September 4, 2008 Symfoni Orkestern Norrlands Operan, Mei-Ann Chen
2007
Sven Hagvil* Symphony of Solitarities
for soprano saxophone & mixed choir, Karin Oldgren
World Première: St. Johannes Kyrka, March 24, 2007. published by www.ejeby.se
2006
Astor Piazzolla Milonga for Three, for soprano saxophone & orchestra; first performance of arrangement by Anders Högstedt
St.Petersburg Philharmonic, Fabio Mastrangelo
2005
Nils Lindberg* Mythological Portraits for soprano saxophone & orchestra;
Prolog – Tömpkal – Randa – Fösskal – Epilog
durata: 27´
World Premiere September 22, 2005, DalaSinfoniettan, Bjarte Engesett conductor
Generously funded by DalaSinfoniettan
David Chaitkin* Concerto for soprano saxophone and orchestra
World Premiere: March 3, 2005, Stockton Symphony Orchestra,U.S.A., Peter Jaffe conductor
2004
B Tommy Andersson*Concerto for soprano saxophone and orchestra
durata:15´
World Premiere :April 2004, Jönköpings Sinfonietta, B Tommy Andersson conductor
Generously funded by Rikskonserter
2003
Björn Kruse “Pierrots Lament” for soprano saxophone & string orchestra
durata: 10´
Swedish Premiere: January 19, 2003, Stockholm Power Strings, Andrej Nikolaev conductor
Victoria Power* “Ballade” for soprano saxophone*, piano & strings
World Premiere: January 19, 2003, Stockholm Power Strings,
Andrej Nikolaev conductor
Sven David Sandström* “Four Pieces for soprano saxophone and wind ensemble I, II, III, IV. durata: 12´
World Premiere February 13, 2003, Östgöta Blåsarsymfoniker, B Tommy Andersson conductor
Generously funded by Östgöta Blåsarsymfoniker
Frida Matsdotter “Hon ska vida färdas” for choir, soprano saxophone* & orchestra
World Premiere May 11, Uppsala Cathedral, Milke Falk conductor
Ingvar Lidholm “Arabesque” version for soprano saxophone solo
World Premiere May 17, 2003, Öjebyn Church, Sweden
2002
Kari Baek* “Arise, my love, my fair one” for soprano saxophone & choir
World Premiere: July 5, 2002 Vestmanna Church, Faroe Islands, Mogens Dahl conductor
2001
Fredrik Högberg* Concertino for soprano saxophone & string orchestra
I, II, III, IV, durata 15´30
World Premiere March 10, 2001, Tingsryd, Musica Vitae, Jerzy Maksymiuk conductor
Martin Möller* “Reflection # 1″ for soprano saxophone solo
World Premiere June 23, 2001, Box Kraftverk, Nyland
Stella Sung “Sur la Memoire” for soprano saxophone & piano
Swedish Premiere August 29, 2001 Kungsholm Church, Stockholm,
with Magnus Svensson
Björn Kruse “Gydas Hemmelighet” for soprano saxophone & piano
Swedish Premiere August 29, 2001 Kungsholm Church, Stockholm,
with Magnus Svensson
Pelle Olofson* “Missa Brevis” for soprano saxophone & children's choir
World Premiere October 26, 2001 Adolf Fredrik's Choir, Pelle Olofson conductor
2000
Peeter Vähi* “Silver Concerto” for soprano saxophone, strings & percussion
durata 23´
World Premiere April 29, 2000, Tallinn, Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, Andres Mustonen conductor
Nils Lindberg “Krusningar & Polska” for soprano saxophone solo
World Premiere: July 8, 2000 Piteå
Ingvar Karkoff* “Largo” for soprano saxophone & organ
World Premiere October 15, 2000, Alla Helgona Church, Nyköping, with Andrew Canning
Niklas Breman* “Dinkum Thinkum” for soprano saxophone & electronics
World Premiere: December 28, 2000, Hässleholms Kulturhus
1999
Fredrik Högberg* “Perc Off” for soprano saxophone & six percussion
World Premiere May 30, 1999, Härnösands Slagverksensemble, Johan Eriksson conductor
Fredrik Högberg* “Then I will handle the darkness”
Concerto for soprano saxophone & orchestra, durata 25´
World Premiere June 13, 1999, Sundsvalls Kammarorkester, Lan Shui conductor
Generously funded by Östgöta Blåsarsymfoniker Sundsvalls Kammarorkester
Fredrik Högberg* “PopMusikk” for soprano saxophone & electronics
world premiere July 8, 1999 S:t Nicolai Church, Halmstad
1998
David Chaitkin* Aria; durata 8´
World Premiere: April 23, 1998, Norrköping Symphony Orchestra, Lu Jia conductor
Judith Cloud * “Land of Rest” Concerto for soprano saxophone & orchestra
durata 20´
World Premiere May 1, 1998, Flagstaff, USA, Northern Arizona University Orchestra, Robert Blake conductor
Håkan Carlsson* “Fantasistycke” for soprano saxophone & wind orchestra
World Premiere December 5, 1998, Lund, Bleckhornen wind orchestra,
Peter Isberg conductor
1997
Björn J:son Lindh* “Ikoner” for soprano saxophone, strings & percussion
durata 15´
World Premiere August 2, 1997 Visby, Gotland Chamber Strings,
Anders Loguin percussion
Generously funded by SMI, Stockholms Musikpedagogiska Institut
1996
Joakim Unander* “Fanfares” for soprano saxophone & organ
World Premiere March 9, 1996 S:t Johannes Church, Stockholm,
with Andrew Canning
Bo Hansson* “Nocturne” for soprano saxophone solo
world premiere March 31, 1996 S.ta Helena Church, Skövde
Svante Henryson* “Off Pist” for soprano saxophone & violoncell
World Premiere November 28, 1996 Berwaldhallen, Stockholm
Jonathan Sheffer* Concerto for soprano saxophone & orchestra;
durata 16´
World Premiere November 28, 1996, Berwaldhallen, Stockholm
Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Petter Sundkvist conductor
Rich de Rosa Haunting Memories for soprano saxophone & orchestra
Swedish Premiere November 28, 1996 Berwaldhallen,
Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Petter Sundkvist conductor
1995
Jan Ferm* “Vila Socó Meu Amor” for soprano saxophone & choir
World Premiere March 9, 1995, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, Erik Westberg conductor
Anders Nilsson* “Lux Aeterna” for soprano saxophone, organ & choir
World Premiere March 12, 1995, São Paulo, Brasil, Erik Westberg conductor
Generously funded by Erik Westberg Vocal Ensemble
1994
Chris DeBlasio* “Prelude & Fugue” for soprano saxophone & strings
World Premiere January 11, 1994, Alice Tully Hall, NYC, USA
Roger Kellaway* “From the other side of Midnight” for soprano saxophone & piano
World Premiere January 23, 1994, Maybeck Hall, San Francisco
Joakim Unander* “Nor the soles of her shoe” for soprano saxophone solo
World Premiere April 29, 1994 S:t Jacobs Church, Stockholm
Björn Hallmann* “Sit Venia Verbo” Concerto for soprano saxophone & orchestra durata 17´
World Premiere December 6, 1994, Borås Kammarorkester,
Björn Hallmann conductor
1993
Judith Cloud* “Feet of Jesus” for soprano saxophone, choir & organ
Swedish premiere August 13, 1993 S:t Jacobs Church, Stockholm, Gary Graden conductor
1992
David Conte* “Good-Bye My Fancy” for soprano saxophone & Men's Choir
World premiere June 21, 1992 Carnegie Hall, NYC Gay Men's Chorus, USA,
Gary Miller conductor
1990
Gerald Busby* “Saxorgan” for soprano saxophone & organ
World premiere May 9, 1990, Union Theological Seminary,NYC, USA
with Harry Huff, organ
Tania French* “In the end is the beginning” for soprano saxophone, organ & choir
World Premiere May 1990, Union Theological Seminary,NYC, USA
with Harry Huff, organ
1989
Chris DeBlasio* “Music for a short subject” for soprano saxophone & organ
World Premiere December 20, 1989, Kungsholm Church, Stockholm
with Harry Huff, organ
1988
Rayner Brown Sonata for soprano saxophone & organ;
World Premiere April 6, 1988 Union Theological Seminary, NYC, USA
with Harry Huff, organ
Tom Pierson* “Antiphony”
for soprano sax, organ, piano, 5 trumpets & 17 French Horns
World Premiere May 1, 1988 Cathedral S:t John the Divine, NYC, USA https://www.nytimes.com/1988/05/03/arts/review-music-an-organ-saxophone-mix.html
Roop Verma* “Raga Rajkauns” for soprano saxophone, sitar & tabla
World Premiere, September 30, 1988, Unitarian Universalist Society, Oneonta, USA
1987
James Slater* Trio for soprano saxophone, guitar & violoncell;
World Premiere April 23, 1987, Greenwich Music House, NYC, USA