ITG Mourns the loss of Vale Niklas Eklund (1969-2025)
ITG Mourns the loss of Vale Niklas Eklund (1969-2025). Niklas was a third-generation trumpeter from Götteborg, Sweden. During his early years, Niklas began playing in the local brass band under his father’s baton and later went to study modern trumpet with family friends, Vincent Cicowicz, Pierre Thibaud and with Professor Edward H. Tarr at the Scholar Cantorium Basilensis.Niklas studied at Göteborg’s School of Music and Schola Cantorum Basiliensis studying with Edward H. Tarr. He then spent five years with the Basel Radio Symphony Orchestra as principal trumpet. In 1996, he changed his path and pursued his career as a soloist. His solo career quickly gained traction and recognition and soon after won first place at the Altenburg International Baroque Trumpet Competition in Bad Säckengen, Germany.
Niklas’ career included appearances with many leading musicians and conductors, including Cecilia Bartoli, Zubin Mehta, John Elliot Gardiner, Heinz Holliger, András Schiff, and Gustav Leonhardt.
For those who knew him, Niklas had a very kind heart a very fun-loving nature and was a loyal friend to those close to him, which will long be remembered.