Cellist Tomas Lundström Finds His Place in Copenhagen's Royal Orchestra

Tomas Lundström's love affair with the cello began at the tender age of three, blossoming into a promising talent by the time he turned ten, when he was recognized as one of Sweden's most gifted young cellists. Today, at 36, he serves as the principal cellist at the Royal Theatre in Copenhagen, one of the oldest opera houses in the world.

As he heads to his job with the esteemed Det Kongelige Kapel, situated in Copenhagen's new opera house on Holmen, Lundström fondly recalls the passion he felt for music from an early age. This intrinsic motivation surprised his teachers. An early memory involves watching a talent show on television with his family at six years old. Inspired, he borrowed a video camera from his older sister to record himself playing and submitted the tape without his parents' knowledge. To his astonishment, he received an acceptance letter.

Years later, Lundström's journey took him to Berwaldhallen in Stockholm, where he received private lessons from renowned cellist Mats Rondin. Despite living far from the capital, he made a daily trek to school with his cello strapped to his back.

His talent was evident when he won both a preliminary round and the season finale of a talent competition, which led him to an invitation for a prestigious international event in Cremona, Italy, known for its exquisite string instruments. There, he caught the attention of Russian music educators who invited him to study at a conservatory in Moscow. Although he was offered a chance to stay and study full-time, his mother was reluctant to leave her nine-year-old son alone in a foreign country, leading him to continue his education back in Uppsala.

The tranquility of Lundström's childhood was disrupted when his father was imprisoned. This upheaval made it challenging for him to maintain his practice schedule and lessons, as his mother, now a single parent of five, struggled to provide the same level of support. Despite these challenges, music remained a constant in his life. After completing high school, he enrolled at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm. A pivotal moment occurred one night when he contemplated dedicating himself fully to the cello, leading to a transformative period of intense academic focus.

Today, as the principal cellist of Det Kongelige Kapel, Lundström plays a vital role in both the new opera house and the historic venue where the royal ballet performs. He not only performs solos but also leads the cello section, guiding his colleagues through their performances with a blend of musicality and subtle cues.

His dedication to his craft did not go unnoticed; recently, he was honored by the Danish royal family for his contributions to the orchestra, being named a Knight of the Order of the Dannebrog.

Lundström acknowledges the demanding nature of a professional musician's life, characterized by long hours of practice, extensive travel, and the pressure to consistently deliver high-quality performances. Yet, he expresses that there is no other path he would prefer, as the cello is an integral part of his identity.

In sum, Tomas Lundström's journey from a gifted child in Uppsala to the principal cellist at one of the world's most prestigious orchestras exemplifies resilience and passion for music. His story underscores the profound impact of both personal challenges and artistic dedication in shaping a successful career in the arts.