Winnie Dahlgren
provides the listener with a distinct musical experience with delicate twists. Her classical background showcases her musical technique as a performer, but her use and knowledge of Latin, world music and jazz styles give her performances a modern quality. Her compositions contain a contemporary harmonic universe marked with Latin and world influences, and run the gamut of playful and energetic to sweet and endearing pieces with thoughtful melodies. And the fact that she is a vibraphonist leading a quintet presents a unique instrumental sound.
A native of Denmark Winnie Dahlgren started playing percussion at age fifteen, and received both her bachelor’s degree in music education in 1991 and her Master’s degree in Performance in 1995 from the Vestjysk Academy of Music in Esbjerg, Denmark. In the middle of her classical studies at the conservatory she took two years off to study jazz at Berklee College of Music in Boston. In 1996 she returned to Berklee College of Music from which she received a bachelor’s degree in jazz composition and performance in 1997.
Before returning to the United States in 1996 she performed with Aarhus Symphony Orchestra, Sønderjyllands Symphony orchestra, Aarhus Sinfonietta, Esbjerg Ensemble, Amager Theatre, Esbjerg Theatre and Œventyr Operaen.
She has since performed in both jazz and classical settings, with concerts in Europe, the United States, and Southern Africa. Since November 1998 she has been working with singer Stewart Sukuma from Mozambique. She has among others performed with: Joe Lavano, George Garzone, Steve Lacy, Christian McBride, and Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez .
Winnie was chosen to represent Denmark on a Europe-tour with the "European Youth Jazz Orchestra" in July 1999. In 2000 she was once again chosen to represent Denmark in the “The All Star Group of Swinging Europe”, performing and playing her own compositions on the MusicOra Exhibition in Paris. As a composer she has been commissioned and written music for many different jazz settings, ranging from small ensemble to big bands, as well as writing for percussion ensembles.
Ms. Dahlgren has surrounded herself with musicians from all over the world which allows her to swiftly move between the different styles, with styles ranging from classical to jazz, latin and world music, and still retain their authenticity. Currently, Winnie Dahlgren is an active percussionist performing in various settings in addition to being in the faculty at Berklee College of Music in Boston, as an associate professor since 2001.
The Winnie Dahlgren Quintet was in March 2004 on tour in Denmark performing concerts and workshops. During this time in Denmark Winnie also recorded with the British singer Leo Sayer, for his latest CD.
In May 2007 Winnie went on tour to Mozambique, South East Africa, with her quintet – Winnie Dahlgren Quintet to perform concerts and workshops.
Winnie Dahlgren in endorsed by Vic Firth Inc.