Home – Jan Wallander Prize

David Stener – winner 2023

David Stener was born in 1998 and grew up in Stockholm. Having experimented with drums and guitar at an early age, he chose to focus his attention on the piano at the age of 11. He is currently studying the Bachelor’s Programme in Jazz at the Royal College of Music (KMH) in Stockholm and is set to graduate in the spring.

His thesis takes a deeper look at the harmonic features of Broadway musicals. Through his own compositions, he aims to create music using elements from both jazz and musicals.

Prize citation

For his natural and mature playing style, allied with a wonderful feel for harmony and an outstanding improvisational flow, pianist David Stener has been awarded the Jan Wallander Prize for 2023.

David Stener - vinnare Jan Wallanderpriset 2023

Handelsbanken has established a music prize in collaboration with the Royal College of Music

This is the Jan Wallander Prize, which is awarded annually to one of Sweden’s leading music students at one of the country’s music colleges. In addition to the honour, the award winner will be able to use an exceedingly high-class instrument for a number of years.

Musicians express themselves through their instruments. First class instruments mean that musicians can hone their expressive skills – the instrument responds sensitively to the finest impulses and, with the beauty of its tone, contributes to the richness of expression.

Through the Jan Wallander Prize we hope to give more young people the opportunity to use and make the most of a first class instrument for a number of years. The prize winner will be chosen by an international jury.