Hovkapellet: 500 Years of Music

500 years of music, memory and transmission: an anniversary concert on the Royal Swedish Orchestra’s history.

In 2026, the Royal Swedish Orchestra (Hovkapellet) celebrates five centuries of uninterrupted musical life. To mark this extraordinary milestone, the orchestra presents a special anniversary concert retracing its remarkable journey as one of the five oldest orchestras in the world still in continuous service, enriched by commentary from renowned conductor Alan Gilbert.

Founded in 1526 under the reign of King Gustav Vasa, the Royal Swedish Orchestra has accompanied royal ceremonies, operas, and ballets for nearly 500 years. Its history reflects resilience, transformation, and artistic excellence, closely linked to the Royal Swedish Opera, which recently celebrated its own 250th anniversary. Yet Hovkapellet’s origins reach even further back, making it a living witness to the evolution of Western music.

Led by Alan Gilbert, Principal Conductor of the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg and former Music Director of the New York Philharmonic, the concert unfolds as a journey through time. From fifteenth-century Tower Musick and sixteenth-century sonatas by Albricis to works by Mozart, Wagner, and Strauss, the program traces centuries of musical tradition, with Gilbert’s insights illuminating each piece.

Throughout 2026, the celebrations continue with ten symphonic concerts on the main stage of the Royal Swedish Opera, alongside chamber performances and an international tour across Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain. More than a commemoration, this anniversary honors a living institution, where history and music remain inseparably connected.

Production year 2025
Genre Live Show
Duration 43min