Paula af Malmborg Ward

Timing and text are two key words in opera creation, which is combined with works for orchestra and choir, solo and ensemble as well as music for TV and radio. Most recently with the chamber opera Systemet (Man must sing’s commission, libretto Naima Chahboun) in 2024, the vocal symphony Spår vägar (her own libretto) for the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra in 2023 and the all-night opera Mytomania (libretto Kerstin Perski) for the Gothenburg Opera in 2023.

In 2022 Paula as a composer, lyricist, arranger, singer and pianist released two double CDs on Imogena Records, with songs created in the years 1979-91. Pållan’s songs – to the end, from the beginning and MORE Pållan’s songs.

Paula is a board member of the Royal Academy of Music and a member of FST and SKAP. Is one of the initiators of Kalvfestivalen and Frontside Gothenburg International Chamber Music Festival. Love to sing. And play. And talk.

Paula was a presenter together with the composer Sven-Erik Bäck in SVT’s series “Klingande fredag” in 1985-86, in SVT’s “Sommarmorgon” in 1986 and has since had many public presentation assignments, e.g. for SR P2 during the Thomas Adé composer festival and the Swedish Jazz Celebration, both broadcast live from Stockholm’s Konserthus. During both Kalvfestivalen and Frontside, Paula has been a recurring conversation leader and presenter.

Important works (selection)

• The Opera Company Man Must Sing’s commissioned work “Systemet,” chamber opera, premiere on January 24
• Gothenburg Opera’s commissioned work “Mytomania,” premiere on October 23
• Vocal Symphony “Spår vägar,” premiere by the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra in December 23
• Choir works “Äggen är slut” and “Hjässan är kal” from 2017 to 2019
• “Criança,” choir work commissioned by the Royal Swedish Academy of Music for H.M. Queen Silvia’s 70th birthday in 2013
• Radio opera “Hittekvinnan” in 2005
• Music for SVT’s Christmas calendar “En decemberdröm” in 2005
• Debut opera “Bombpartyt” at the Gothenburg Opera in 1998

Prizes (selection)

• FST’s Composer Prize Rosenberg Prize
• Gothenburg City’s Badge of Merit
• 1st Prize Prix Italia for the radio opera “Hittekvinnan”
• Carin Malmlöf-Forssling Prize
• Expressen’s Music Prize Spelman