YLVA KIHLBERG – A SWEDISH KNIGHT OF DENMARK

Stage director, Ylva Kihlberg, tells the stories of opera, the stories of humans, the stories of life. She is appointed Head of Dramaturgy and Artistic Advisor for Malmö Opera, Sweden.

She was born and educated in Stockholm, Sweden, and started her career as a principal soprano at The Royal Opera in Stockholm. She was a principal soprano at the Royal Opera in Copenhagen, Denmark for 16 years and has sung leading roles in the USA, England, Scotland, Italy, Germany, Mexico, Switzerland, Israel, Iceland, Sweden and Denmark, et al.

Ylva Kihlberg has been knighted and awarded the Cross of Order of Chivalry by Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark.

In 2017, Ms. Kihlberg celebrated 25 years on stage, and her directorial debut, directing Puccini’s Suor Angelica in Copenhagen. The production was a great success and went on tour in several parts of Denmark.

Ms. Kihlberg had her directing debut in Sweden 2022, directing the Scandinavian premiere of Breaking the waves by Missy Mazzoli. The production was a huge succes, receiving great reviews from all media. In 2023 she directed the huge show Operans Gala at Malmö Opera.

At the Royal Danish Theatre in Copenhagen in October 2020, she directed her critically acclaimed production of Vox Humana by Poulenc. Other productions in 2020 were Det er så yndigt at følges ad – Scener fra et dysfunktionelt ægteskab, Erbarme Dich and Ringen – Wagners mesterværk på en aften.

Her stage directing has been praised for its sharpness and musicality, exceptional storytelling, care for the music, and attention to detail and character.

Ylva Kihlberg is a popular acting coach, working with singers from all over the world.

In 2019 she was recruited to develop and teach a new curriculum for teachers in opera, at the University of Stockholm.

Furthermore, she has degrees in Leadership, Art and Culture, Project Management and Arts History, is the leader and founder of thatsYproductions, played the piano for 10 years, is a trained dancer and used to sing in a rockband!

Photo credit Line Mirella Knudsen.