Earlier this week, the Polar Music Prize was awarded at the Grand Hôtel in Stockholm. In front of a diverse audience of national and international musicians, actors, other prominent guests, and members of the Swedish royal family, Brian May and Roger Taylor of Queen, Herbie Hancock, and Barbara Hannigan received the Polar Music Prize. As per tradition, an ensemble from Ingesund School of Music performed on the red carpet as guests arrived at the gala.
Jonathan Höglund, a student in the music teacher education programme specializing in jazz vocals, was the soloist of the day. How did it feel to perform for the crème de la crème of musicians from around the world?
“Completely surreal! We went straight back to Arvika after performing and watched the live broadcast of the gala in the car. I agree with Miriam Bryant, who also performed – getting to play for your idols who have inspired you for so many years – it was both surreal and an honor! What a prestigious assignment to represent Ingesund and perform for these world-class musicians. I also think Marie Ledin put it beautifully – that we should gather around music and feel joy together. We really felt that while playing – it was amazing to receive recognition from professional musicians as they arrived. Like Jill Johnson grooving along or Nile Rodgers dancing in front of us on the red carpet. Barbara Hannigan described it so well – the balance between doubt and courage is delicate, and we musicians constantly walk that fine line. Are we good enough? After this experience, we felt we pulled it off, but it’s also important to stay humble. I think all the musicians at the gala showed that humility.”
What repertoire did you choose?
“We really worked to ensure all instruments had equal roles. We chose songs by previous Polar Prize winners, including Joni Mitchell, Sting, Herbie Hancock, Queen, and Barbara Hannigan’s incredible version of Gershwin’s But Not for Me, where the wind instruments got to shine.”
This year’s recipients were Brian May and Roger Taylor of Queen, Herbie Hancock, and Barbara Hannigan. Do you have any personal connection to the laureates?
“I probably feel the strongest connection to Queen and of course Freddie Mercury, who is a major vocal inspiration. I’m drawn to strong melodies, and Queen certainly has those. I haven’t listened much to Herbie Hancock, but I understand his significance in modern music and I really want to explore more of his work. I didn’t know Barbara Hannigan before, but I’ve now discovered an incredible musician with a powerful presence. She truly deserves this award!”
Did you get to meet any of them?
“Unfortunately, no. That would’ve been fun. In previous years, students have participated in Polar Talks and the pre-party, but not this year. Still, we really enjoyed the moment, and I’m very proud and happy about our group’s performance. We’re so grateful for the opportunity to be part of this!”
The Ingesund Ensemble Students:
Jonathan Höglund – Music Teacher Program, Jazz Vocals
Simon Gummesson – Music Teacher Program, Jazz Electric Bass
Alice Eriksson – Music Teacher Program, Classical Percussion
Tim Forslund – Music Teacher Program, Jazz Electric Guitar
Ilse van Westendorp – Music Teacher Program, Classical Trombone
Linda Hesse – Music Teacher Program, Folk Music Saxophone
The Polar Music Prize was founded in 1989 by the late Stig “Stikkan” Anderson, a legendary figure in popular music history. As a publisher, lyricist, and manager of ABBA, he played a key role in their global success. The prize is named after his iconic record label, Polar Music.
The Polar Music Prize is one of the world’s most prestigious and unique music awards, transcending musical boundaries and awarded to individuals, groups, and institutions in recognition of exceptional achievements.
Stig “Stikkan” Anderson has a connection to Ingesund, having started his career studying at Ingesund Folk High School in Arvika, where he also met his future wife, Gudrun Rydstedt from Värmland. His daughter, Marie Ledin, now CEO of the Polar Music Prize, has shown great support for Ingesund School of Music and has been an honorary doctor at Karlstad University since 2020. For several years now, students from Ingesund have performed at the Polar Music Prize ceremony.
