Selma Lagerlöf's friendship with "Queen of Skåne" sparked creativity
A new opera celebrating Selma Lagerlöf's life and creativity has been commissioned by Wermland Opera as part of its jubilee.
Wermland Opera is commemorating its anniversary with a newly composed opera focused on the significant figure Selma Lagerlöf, a renowned Swedish author and the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. The opera, titled to reflect Lagerlöf's connections to her Swedish heritage, showcases her relationship with another influential woman, referred to as the "Queen of Skåne." The opera explores how this friendship inspired and reignited Lagerlöf's creative spirit during her later years, particularly as she was approaching 70 years of age.
Maria Sundqvist, presumably involved in the research or composition process, has delved into archives to uncover the historical context of Lagerlöf's interactions and the impact of this collaboration on her artistic output. It aims to not only highlight Lagerlöf's literary achievements but also to pay homage to familial and artistic ties that shaped her works. The music has been modernized to resonate with current audiences while bringing forth the enriching experiences from Lagerlöf's past.
This opera represents an important cultural endeavor, bringing together historical narrative, music, and storytelling, reflective of Lagerlöf's contributions to literature and Swedish national identity. By celebrating Lagerlöf's legacy, the production may inspire a renewed interest in her works and encourage discussions about the influence of friendships on creative processes and cultural heritage in Sweden.