The Jan Wallander Prize is awarded on 26 March and goes to Elias Grimstad, who for the next nine years will have the opportunity to use a violin made in 1856 by Andrea Postacchini.
Violinist Elias Grimstad is a student at the Artist Diploma program, Ingesund School of Music, with Peter Herrestahl as his teacher. Elias Grimstad will receive the prestigious Jan Wallander Prize 2026 at a ceremony at the Royal College of Music (KMH) in Stockholm, where he will share the stage with KMH students as well as guest artists during the evening.
The winner of the Jan Wallander Prize 2026 is given the opportunity to use a violin made in 1856 by Andrea Postacchini. Andrea Postacchini is known for his meticulous craftsmanship, and his instruments are highly valued today for their rich and resonant sound, as well as characteristic details such as deeply carved scrolls, extended corners, and precisely placed f‑holes. The violin, made in 1856, is a new addition to the Handelsbanken Classic Instruments collection. It is this instrument that Elias Grimstad now has the honor of using for the next nine years.
“It feels very good,” says Elias Grimstad. “I am very grateful for the opportunity to use such a fine violin. I believe the violin will have great significance for my playing. I’ve been playing the violin I have now for a very long time. I actually received it when I was six years old, because my grandfather had built it and gave it to me. It is a very good instrument.”
What do you think this new instrument will mean for your playing?
“The violin I am now borrowing is quite different, and it gives me the opportunity to develop other aspects of my playing with completely different tonal colors. It has a very rich and noble sound that is inspiring.”
Will you ever be able to play another violin after these nine years?
“After having borrowed this violin for nine years, I will unfortunately have to return it. But at least I will still have the violin I have been using up until now in my back pocket. I believe that the time with the instrument I am borrowing now will also shape my playing on other instruments.”
The Jan Wallander Prize was established by Handelsbanken and the Royal College of Music. The prize is awarded annually to one of Sweden’s outstanding young music students enrolled at one of the country’s music academies. In addition to the honor, the recipient is given the opportunity to use a top‑class instrument for several years.
Through the Jan Wallander Prize, more young musicians are given the chance to access and use a first‑class instrument over a longer period. The winner is selected by an international jury.
The Jan Wallander Prize 2026 will be awarded at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm on 26 March.
