This entry marked the first time a Swedish submission to the competition included a substantial amount of French lyrics, highlighting the performer's fluency in that language.
Early Training and Vocal Development
Born in 1970 at the Uppsala Cathedral Assembly, Ernman spent her formative years in Sandviken. Her formal musical education took place at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, the Music Conservatory in Orléans, and the school of the Royal Swedish Opera. These foundations established her career as a mezzo-soprano, leading to her eventual membership in the Royal Swedish Academy of Music.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Operatic Repertoire and Performances
Ernman has performed in numerous international opera houses across Europe, including performances at the Royal Opera in Stockholm, La Monnaie in Brussels, and the Salzburg Festival. Her roles are diverse, ranging from Princess Cecilia in Ivar Hallström's Liten Karin to the title role in Philippe Boesmans's Julie. She has frequently collaborated with conductors such as William Christie, René Jacobs, and Daniel Barenboim, tackling works by composers including Handel, Mozart, and Rossini.
Diverse Musical and Artistic Pursuits
Beyond her classical repertoire, she has explored cabaret, jazz, and musical theatre. In 2018, she portrayed Gabriella in the Swedish musical Så som i himmelen at the Oscarsteatern in Stockholm. Her career also includes work as an actor and an author, notably contributing to the book Scenes from the Heart. Her contributions to the arts have been recognized with the Gillise Bratta Stipendium and the Litteris et Artibus award.
Fast facts
- Born: 1970, Uppsala Cathedral Assembly
- Profession: Mezzo-soprano, actor, author
- Education: Royal College of Music in Stockholm
- Eurovision 2009 entry: La Voix
- Notable book: Scenes from the Heart
- Member: Royal Swedish Academy of Music
- Awards: Litteris et Artibus (2011)
- Languages: English, Swedish
Questions readers ask
What genres does Malena Ernman perform?
She is an opera singer who also performs chansons, cabaret, jazz, and musical theatre.
Which major awards has she received?
She was awarded the Gillise Bratta Stipendium in 1995 and the Litteris et Artibus in 2011.
Achievements
- Educated at Royal College of Music in Stockholm
- Worked as actor, opera singer and author
.jpg)
