Sebastian Silén – Violinist & Artistic Researcher

Sebastian Silén is a dynamic violinist whose career combines a passion for performance with a deep commitment to artistic research. With a Master of Arts in Specialized Music Performance from the Zürcher Hochschule der Künste, where he studied under the renowned Prof. Rudolf Koelman, Sebastian has honed his craft at some of Europe’s most prestigious institutions. His musical journey has taken him from Göteborg to Zürich and beyond, always driven by a desire to explore the intersection of artistry and scholarship.

As a soloist, Sebastian has performed with prominent orchestras, including the Musikkollegium Winterthur, Kuopio Symphony Orchestra, Helsinki Chamber Orchestra, and the Wegelius Chamber Strings. His performances have graced renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Berlin Philharmonie, and the Zürich Tonhalle, showcasing his versatility and passion for sharing music with diverse audiences.

A dedicated researcher, Sebastian's work often focuses on forgotten or neglected Nordic repertoire, breathing new life into historical works. His CD, Pacius, Kajanus, Sibelius, published by SibaRecords in 2021, is a testament to this mission, with an upcoming recording of Moses Pergament’s complete works for violin and piano scheduled for release in 2025. As both a performer and editor, he has played a key role in the reconstruction and publication of violin works, including Robert Kajanus’s violin compositions and Fredrik Pacius’s unpublished pieces.

Sebastian’s work in artistic research informs his performances, blending historical understanding with live interpretation. His doctoral research at the University of the Arts Helsinki delves Jean Sibelius’ works for violin and piano, using Nordic music as a hermeneutic window through which the works are explored. As part of his doctoral work he has published peer-reviewed articles (see Research) and has presented his findings at international conferences.

In addition to his performances and research, Sebastian is an experienced teacher, having taught masterclasses in Finland and Sweden and served as a teaching assistant to Prof. Koelman. He also served as coordinating teacher for the Sibelius Academy’s course “Taiteellinen tutkimus tänään” (Artistic research today). His holistic approach to music education reflects his belief in the importance of integrating artistic practice with rigorous academic inquiry.

Sebastian’s accolades include winning laureates at the Kuopio Violin Competition, Rising Stars Grand Prix in Berlin and the American Protégé Competition in New York. He also played the role of Jean Sibelius in the documentary film “The Forgotten Music of Sibelius”. He continues to push boundaries as both a performer and researcher, bridging the worlds of musicology and performance with a unique and insightful perspective.

He performs on a violin by Stefan-Peter Greiner.