Elias Morgan Grimstad – winner 2026
Prize motivation
For his beautiful tone, vibrant musicality, and energetic virtuosity, the violinist Elias Morgan Grimstad is awarded the Jan Wallander Prize 2026.
Elias Morgan Grimstad was born in 2001 in Oslo. His interest in music began early and has shaped his entire upbringing. As early as the age of three, he and his brother went over to their grandfather in the neighboring house to take their first violin lessons.
Grimstad holds a bachelor’s degree from the Barratt Due Institute of Music in Oslo. He is now continuing his studies at the advanced level through the Artist Diploma program at the Ingesund School of Music. His goal is to pursue a continued career as an active violinist within the classical music tradition.
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.
