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Since 1925, the Stockholm School of Economics’ imposing figure, with its copper dome, bay window and solid oak doors, has been a landmark in the Stockholm landscape. Just around the corner is its younger sibling, the Stockholm Concert Hall, completed one year later. Both buildings were designed by architect Ivar Tengbom, a key figure in Swedish Grace design movement. To mark their shared centenaries, and to highlight SSE’s commitment to culture, the School and the Concert Hall have launched a unique musical collaboration.

Andrea Tarrodi has been commissioned to musically interpret both buildings in a suite inspired by Tengbom’s work. The first piece centers on the Stockholm School of Economics.

This project is a natural continuation of the School’s cultural profile, where visual art and literature already play a strong role – and now, music takes the stage.

“This is an important step in our long-term commitment to art and culture. We’ve worked with visual art and literature for many years – now it’s time to give music a place,” says Lars Strannegård, president of the Stockholm School of Economics.

The next piece in the suite is expected to be presented in 2026, as part of the Concert Hall’s own centennial celebrations. Susanne Rydén, CEO of the Stockholm Concert Hall, sees the project as a way for cultural institutions and universities to come together in shared expression.

“Music has a unique ability to make us pause, reflect and feel proud to be part of a tradition. It builds bridges between people and deepens our understanding of how we are connected and enrich each other,” she says.

Capturing the spirit of everyday life at SSE

Tarrodi’s composition echoes the 1920s but also includes sounds from everyday life, soul and festive moments at the School – from the song Handels lov (set to the melody of “Vårvindar friska”) to a specially composed fanfare.

“It’s been a fun and inspiring challenge to interpret such a unique place in music. I wanted to weave together student life, the School’s history and the very character of the building itself. SSE is an impressive structure, and I’ve tried to capture that in the music – with a smidge of humor,” says Andrea Tarrodi.

The piece was recorded in August with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra and can be by ensambles ranging from a small chamber orchestra to a full symphony orchestra. It is set to become a recurring part of the School’s ceremonial repertoire, for example at faculty installations, degree conferments and graduation ceremonies.

The new work, Ars Longa, Vita Brevis, premiered on September 9, at the opening of the Swedish Parliament, which traditionally ends with a gala concert at the Stockholm Concert Hall. This project was made possible with support from the Jacob Wallenberg Foundation, a longstanding supporter of arts and education in Sweden.

Listen to  on Spotify.

Background: Sveavägen 65

The Stockholm School of Economics’ main building at Sveavägen 65 was finished in 1925 and designed by Ivar Tengbom, one of the foremost architects of Nordic Classicism. The building was constructed at the behest of the Stockholm School of Economics Association and financed in part by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. It was inspired by Italian Renaissance palaces and is known for its grand bay window and dome facing Observatorielunden and the Stockholm Public Library.

Under the bay window lies the School’s elliptical auditorium, surrounded by Doric columns and seating about 300 people. Above it is the famous library tower, with four circular floors connected by a spiral staircase. Over the past century, the building has been expanded, and ahead of the centennial, the atrium, auditorium and library have all been carefully restored.

For more information, please contact:

Ylva Mossing
Content and Media Relations Manager
Stockholm School of Economics
Email: ylva.mossing@hhs.se
Phone: +46 730 97 26 16

About the Stockholm School of Economics

The Stockholm School of Economics is rated as a top business school in the Nordic and Baltic countries and enjoys a strong international reputation. World-class research forms the foundation of our educational offering, which includes bachelor, master, PhD, MBA, and Executive Education programs. Our programs are developed in close cooperation with the business and research communities, providing graduates substantial potential to attain leading positions in companies and other organizations. 

The School is accredited by EQUIS, certifying that all of its principal activities – teaching as well as research – maintain the highest international standards. The Stockholm School of Economics is also the only Swedish member institution of CEMS and PIM, which are collaborations between top business schools worldwide, contributing to the level of quality for which our school is known. 

For more information about the Stockholm School of Economics, or see all of our press releases, please visit our website.