In 2023, Lena Willemark was inducted into the Swedish Hall of Fame with the following motivation:
There are so many aspects to Lena Willemark. In a simple summary, she is one of the most versatile voices and musicians in the Nordic region, spanning all genres. However, her foundation has always been in folk music, shaped by her upbringing in Älvdalen in Dalarna. From her debut album 40 years ago, she has always played a leading role in Swedish folk music, as a singer, often in the distinct Älvdalian dialect of her homeland, and as a “riksspelman” on instruments like the fiddle and the wooden flute.
This has resulted in six Grammy awards over the years and leading roles in bands like Nordan, Groupa, Enteli and Frifot. But Lena has also successfully ventured into the fields of jazz and classical music.
In 2019, she was part of the Grammy-winning album “Svenska Röster” and interpreted, among others, several artists previously inducted into the Swedish Music Hall of Fame. The strength of that tribute was yet another reason to invite Lena Willemark herself to join the Swedish Music Hall of Fame.
“To be the first folk musician to be inducted into the Swedish Music Hall of Fame is truly a great honor! For me and for folk music. I primarily think of my upbringing in Älvdalen, my mentors, the music from there, which has been my companion in all contexts. I also want to acknowledge all the fantastic musicians and collaborations over the years that have constantly challenged me and propelled me forward on my musical journey through life.” Lena says.
Over the years, Lena Willemark has increasingly emerged as one of the most versatile artists in the Nordic region – much for her unique ability to mold differences into an indivisible whole.
Another part of her creative work is composition – she has composed and arranged a multitude of music in various constellations over the years. She is a well-known figure in broad TV contexts. It’s particularly noteworthy to mention her participation in the Nobel Prize banquet at City Hall in front of all laureates, where Lena, alongside Ane Brun, was one of the gala’s headliners. Willemark has also received several awards, including six Grammys, and she is a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Music and a “riksspelman.”
In 2024, Lena Willemark is set to perform concerts with Lisa Långbacka and Lisa Rydberg.
Summer and Christmas concerts are currently being scheduled from 2023 to 2026. The Christmas production is called “I Vinterskrud” and is ideally performed with local choirs. The summer program goes by the working title “Sommar i Folkton,” signed by Långbacka/Willemark/Rydberg. These artists offer a meeting between three unique musicians on their respective instruments, much like the anticipation of an upcoming dinner party: a conversation that can lead along well-trodden paths as well as into entirely new territories.
Stage experience, musicality, and playing skills embodied by some of the country’s most talented female musicians.
PROJECTS, PERIODS AND TERRITORIES
* Avails opportunities with Blåferdi for festivals in Europe/Canada/Asia. 2020/2021/2022
* Avails opportunities for Älvdalens Elektriska Trio. Europe/Canada/Asia 2020/2021/2022
* Artist in residence projects and as a soloist in European concert halls. 2020/2021/2022/2023/2024
* Big and medium symphony orchestras, wind and chamber orchestras for already composed (traditional and Lena’s own music) 2020 and onwards.
* Opportunities for trio project Svenska Låtar. 2020/2021
* I Vinterskrud, choir project with Christmas songs. 2020 and onwards