Erik Ask-Upmark: Music across centuries, traditions and borders

Musician • Performer • Storyteller

Erik Ask-Upmark playing Celtic harp

Historic roots - unusual instruments - living music!

Welcome! I am a Swedish multi-instrumentalist and performer with more than three decades of international experience. I divide my time between Sweden and southern France, performing throughout Europe.

Folk and medieval music—especially harp and many varieties of bagpipes—lie at the heart of my work. Beyond these centuries-old traditions, I sometimes turn to the piano for jazz, improvisation and more contemporary music.

I am also a riksspelman, a Swedish title awarded for mastery of traditional music. And sometimes I spin records as a DJ—yes, actual old-timey records!

Welcome to explore my world of folk traditions, historical sounds and unusual instruments: intimate harp music, vibrant folk concerts, children’s shows, musical storytelling and unexpected adventures.
Why not begin with this video introduction? 

    From atmospheric castles to crowded dance floors!

    One evening might mean bringing a medieval castle to life; another, entertaining families, filling a restaurant with music or keeping a festival crowd dancing through a sweaty Bal Folk night. At other times, the experience can be as simple as a harp, an intimate room and a Nordic melody carrying the listener somewhere far away – perhaps deep into a Swedish forest. Here are a few ideas of where my music fits in:

  • Festivals & folk events — energetic concerts, workshops and sweaty Bal Folk nights
  • Churches & concert venues — atmospheric harp concerts, Nordic folk music and historical programmes
  • Castles & historic sites — historical entertainment, medieval music and musical storytelling
  • Restaurants, pubs & hotels — live music that can set the mood or become part of the evening's entertainment
  • Family & cultural events — engaging performances for audiences of all ages
  • Museums & heritage events — music that brings history and historical environments to life
  • Private celebrations & special occasions — from intimate background music to a memorable musical

Medieval Music and Living History

Authentic music, storytelling and unforgettable historical experiences

Travel back to the Middle Ages through music, stories and living history. From lively market tunes and atmospheric castle performances to intimate pilgrim concerts and medieval taverns, Erik Ask-Upmark brings history to life with traditional instruments and singing, engaging storytelling and authentic costumes. Whether performing on stage, making music among the castle visitors or presenting the music and culture of medieval Europe, every programme offers a unique blend of entertainment, historical insight and genuine medieval atmosphere.

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The Magic of the Nordic Harp

Nordic folk music, Celtic traditions and unforgettable melodies

Step into the magical world of the harp through concerts filled with Nordic folk music, Celtic traditions and timeless melodies. From intimate churches and concert halls to festivals and historic venues, Erik Ask-Upmark creates atmospheric performances where lyrical beauty, storytelling and musical virtuosity come together, offering audiences of all ages a memorable and deeply personal live experience.

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The Call of the Pipes

Award-winning performances, renewed traditions and over thirty years of teaching

Swedish Riksspelman Erik Ask-Upmark performs on a remarkable collection of traditional bagpipes from across Europe. Winner of the prestigious Le Maîtres Sonneurs solo competition at the Le Son Continu festival in 2019, he has taught bagpipes for more than thirty years and combines historical knowledge, musical artistry and infectious energy in concerts, workshops and festivals for audiences and musicians alike.

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Fantasy Music in Concert

Game of Tones – music inspired by legends, fantasy and adventure

Step into the magical worlds of The Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones and other timeless fantasy classics. Centered around the expressive sound of the harp, Game of Tones combines unforgettable film music with traditional melodies and original arrangements, creating an atmospheric concert for audiences of all ages. Available as an intimate solo performance or expanded into a larger ensemble, each concert celebrates the music, stories and imagination that have inspired generations.

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Contact

Available for concerts, festivals, workshops and touring throughout Europe.

Drop me an email at erikaskupmark (@) gmail.com or give me an old-fashioned call (also Whatsapp) at +46 704 05 13 95.
I'd love to hear from you!