Fredrik Ljungkvist

Fredrik Ljungkvist is a prominent improvisational and jazz musician since his arrival in Stockholm in 1989, has established himself as one of the most distinctive and influential voices on the Scandinavian jazz scene. Playing both saxophone and clarinet, Ljungkvist is widely recognized for his leading role and for having toured internationally for over 20 years with the acclaimed Swedish‑Norwegian group Atomic, as well as for leading his own ensembles Yun Kan 5 & Yun Kan 10. 

A prolific composer, he has written music for ensembles such as Scheen Jazzorkester, Trondheim Jazz Orchestra, and Norrbotten Big Band, and has appeared on over one hundred recordings. His most recent release, Framåt! with Scheen Jazzorkester, features his own compositions and has been described by All About Jazz as: 

“With Framåt!, Scheen Jazzorkester and Fredrik Ljungkvist offer a shining example of what modern large‑ensemble jazz can be: inventive, emotionally rich and utterly unafraid to colour outside the lines.” (allaboutjazz.com) 

He is a member of the newly formed Littorina Saxophone Quartet and has also been a key contributor to ensembles including Fire! Orchestra, collaborating with musicians such as Bobo Stenson, Kris Davis, Lina Nyberg, Sofia Jernberg, Per ‘Texas’ Johansson, Anders Jormin, and Alexander von Schlippenbach. 

Ljungkvist’s artistry has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Jan Johansson Scholarship (2022) and the Gullin Prize (2020). 

Fredrik Ljungkvist is also Senior Lecturer in Jazz Saxophone at the Royal College of Music, Stockholm.