The Östgöta Symphonic Wind Ensemble (Östgöta Blåsarsymfoniker) is based in Linköping, Sweden, and originated from a military ensemble formed in the time of Gustavus Vasa. Gradually this developed into a military band that rose to prominence in the area, especially during the first half of the 19th century when it was directed by the composer and clarinettist Bernhard Henrik Crusell. In 1971 the ensemble became a civilian organization; since 1988 it has been part of the foundation ‘Östgötamusiken’, controlled by the Östergötland county council. The ensemble’s work is concentrated in Östergötland, and for many years has given series of subscription concerts. It also makes regular guest appearances elsewhere in Sweden and abroad. The ensemble has a relatively small number of permanent members, who form a central core that is expanded when necessary by the use of freelance musicians. Every year, the Östgöta Symphonic Wind Ensemble commissions works from Swedish composers, thereby contributing to the expansion of wind music as a genre.
Visit the official website of the
Östgöta Symphonic Wind Ensemble
