Henrik Lörstad SWEDEN
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Henrik Lörstad is a Swedish composer whose music spans a wide spectrum, from classical orchestral tradition to raw, minimalistic punk energy. Trained at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm in the 1990s, his musical roots reach back to the punk movement of the 1970s — a contrast he continues to explore with curiosity and confidence. Born 1964 in Lund, raised in Italy, Henrik is currently based in Stockholm.
Henrik is best known for his work in animated feature films, particularly for children, where his scores combine strong melodic storytelling with emotional depth. His most widely seen projects are the Bamse feature films — based on Sweden’s most beloved bear — all scored for full symphony orchestra. The Bamse films have been major box office successes, reaching exceptionally large cinema audiences. The second film, Bamse and the Witch’s Daughter, was first performed live in concert in 2017 with the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestraplaying the score to picture. Since then, several orchestras across Sweden have presented similar film-with-live-orchestra performances. In 2026, upcoming events include a sold-out concert week of Bamse and the Secret of the Sea at the Gothenburg Concert Hall, as well as performances with Gävle Symphony orchestra. Another Swedish children’s icon Henrik has worked on is Mamma Moo. The second feature film, Who Are You, Mamma Moo?(nominated for the Harpa award 2025), opened on the cinemas 2024 and the music got nominated for best score at the Guldbaggegala 2024. Directors working with Henrik describe his musical voice as melodious, emotionally powerful with a vein of melancholia. While this style resonates strongly in children’s cinema, it has also proven effective in drama and thriller formats, particularly stories with dark or supernatural elements. Notable examples include The Greveholm Castle Mystery (SVT Christmas Calendar), and creepy thrillers such as Mannen under trappan, Cell8 and Wallander. In addition to film and television, Henrik has composed extensively for the stage. He has collaborated with experimental theatre groups such as Darling Desperados and Teater Tribunalen, as well as major institutions including Dramaten (the Royal Dramatic Theatre of Sweden) and the main theatre houses of Stockholm and Uppsala. His upcoming stage project, The Snow in Brazil, will tour Brazil and Argentina in spring 2026, with Henrik performing live together with the ensemble. |