Sofia Karlsson at Österbybruk Manor with “Selma and I”

It has been 20 years since singer Sofia Karlsson made her debut with her iconic interpretations of Dan Andersson on the album Svarta Ballader. Selma and I takes its starting point from her seventh studio album, a tribute to Selma Lagerlöf’s work and life’s work: En sång till Selma. “I love Selma’s imaginative language, and there are endless themes in her writing. The themes that have resonated with me are passion, life, death and sisterhood,” Sofia Karlsson says in an interview. In musical, free interpretations of Lagerlöf’s works, books and letters, new perspectives and explorations of Sofia’s musical expression emerge, as her blend of Swedish visa tradition, folk music and playful genre borrowing continues to be influenced by its times. Selma and I is an inspired homage to Selma Lagerlöf’s outstanding visions, her untamed imagination, fearlessness and modern way of thinking.

“Breathtaking how Sofia Karlsson makes Selma Lagerlöf’s words dance.” – Dagens Nyheter, Magnus Säll.

“Sofia Karlsson’s singing is open and welcoming, with an intense feeling and great depth.” – Lira, Bo Bjelvehammar.

Over the years, Sofia Karlsson has received four Grammis awards in Sweden and two in Denmark. In 2025 she was awarded the Selma Lagerlöf Scholarship, and in 2026 she received the Fred Åkerström Scholarship. In 2026 she was nominated for a Grammis in the Årets visa/singer-songwriter category. The first performance took place for a small audience at Selma’s home at Mårbacka in spring 2025. This autumn, on 21 November, Sofia Karlsson takes the stage at Österbybruk Manor. Tickets: 300 kronor; tickets go on sale soon! Duration: 90 minutes (no intermission).