Sutherland Shire Symphony Orchestra

Born in Norway in 1938, Sven Libaek has had a long and illustrious career as a conductor, composer, performer, orchestrator, producer and teacher working in three continents. Highlights of his teenage years include his soloist performance of Grieg's Piano Concerto with Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops Orchestra in the film "Windjammer", and his formation of the vocal group "The Windjammers" with whom he toured the U.S. and even visited Australia.

Soon after completing his higher musical education at New York's Juillard School of Music Sven and his wife came to spend their first period in Australia from 1960 to 1977. Amongst other things Sven worked as Musical Director and A&R Manager for CBS Records here, scored many Australian films and TV series and also hosted his own TV show on the ABC called "All about Music".

In 1977 Sven returned to the U.S. - Los Angeles this time - where he remained until 1994. Here he orchestrated more than 300 popular songs for US radio stations. In 1987 he was engaged by Hanna-Barbera to score the music for ten two hour animated TV movie specials. For this project he composed more than 8.5 hours of music, ranging from full symphony orchestra to electronic synthesizer. He also recorded albums for popular artists like Neil Diamond and Lionel Richie, turning their vocal hits into orchestral works.

Sven Libaek has had more than 30 record albums released during his career. He has composed many serious concert works for a combination of instruments, including the piano, classical guitar, flute and clarinet. Symphonic works include "Harmonizations for Strings" and "Oriental Impressions" which were both given their world premiere in Norway by Kringkastingsorkesteret conducted by the composer. His Concerto for Harmonica and Orchestra was premiered in Sydney in 1998 and "The Red Centre" in 2000. For the Australian Centenary of Federation he was commissioned by the Sutherland Shire Council to compose a special work for Symphony Orchestra, Choir and Brass Band. Lolita Libaek, Sven's wife , wrote the lyrics for the work called "The First Shire". It was first performed at Cronulla Beach in front of 10,000 people in January 2001, and repeated at Captain Cooks Landing at Kurnell a few months later. Other efforts include a commission from Sydney Grammar School as well as putting the final touches on his first Piano Concerto.

Besides being the SSSO's Resident Conductor Sven is also President of the Music Arrangers Guild of Australia. He also served on the Board of The Fellowship of Australian Composers in many positions, including that of president. While in the US, Sven was a frequent adjudicator for the Glendale School District in California. In Australia he has served as adjudicator for the Ryde & Goulburn Eisteddfods and the Sutherland Shire instrumental competition for young people conducted by the Sutherland Shire Music Club. He has taught piano at The Shore School, (SCEGS, North Sydney) and also acts as Composer in Residence at Port Hacking High School. He frequently lectures at the Australian Film, Television and Radio School in Sydney. He has represented Australia overseas on many occasions at composers' conferences, forums and festivals, including serving on the board of the Asian Composers League for five years.

Sven was recently appointed Musical Director and orchestrator of Mark Howard's new Australian Rock Opera, "Spinning Around in Jupiter", a musical journey, currently being prepared for its Sydney premiere. He also composed the score to a major Sydney Maritime Museum documentary about the restoration of the magnificent sailing ship the James Craig. Wes Anderson's film "Life Aquatic" which opened worldwide in December 2004 featured five of Sven's compositions.

Sven now lives permanently in Sydney with his wife of more than 40 years. He has two grown up daughters.