Composer in Residence at VICC

Composer in Residence at VICC: A Journey Back to Gotland

In November (18-24) 2024, I had the honor of being Composer in Residence at VICC, the Visby International Composer’s Center, for a week. This opportunity was especially meaningful to me, as it allowed me to return to the beautiful island of Gotland, where I spent two invaluable years studying composition in my 20s.

Coming back to Gotland after more than 20 years was an emotional journey. It was like revisiting a part of myself that had been shaped by those formative years. The island and its unique atmosphere have always held a special place in my heart, and it was incredible to reconnect with the environment that nurtured my early musical development.

During my time at VICC, I was able to compose intensively, focusing on new work and ideas that had been brewing in my mind. It was a deeply creative and fulfilling period. The residency also gave me the opportunity to meet and collaborate with other international composers from Australia, the US, and the Czech Republic. These connections have been enriching, and I look forward to future collaborations with such talented individuals.

One of the highlights of my time at VICC was reconnecting with some of my old teachers at the Gotland School of Musical Composition, where I studied those two precious years. It was a special experience to reminisce about the past while sharing my growth as a composer with those who helped guide me in the beginning.

VICC is located in the same building as the Gotland School of Musical Composition, which made the experience even more personal for me. It felt like coming full circle, from a student to a composer in residence, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a vibrant creative community.

I left Gotland with a heart full of inspiration, new friendships, and a deeper sense of meaning in my work. It was a truly wonderful experience, and I can’t wait to see where these new connections and ideas will take me in the future.