The Hebbe Family
– two ensembles, one musical family!
The sisters of The Hebbe Sisters and the parents of Duo Sentire have gained recognition for their unique musical range and genre-spanning programmes, moving effortlessly between classical music, jazz, opera, pop, traditional songs, tap dance, and more. With a high artistic level and a strong sense of togetherness, they create a complete musical experience that stays with the audience long after the final note. Forever.
Two Musical Forces Meet – Duo Sentire
They found their musical voices, and each other, at the Swedish Radio School of Music in Edsberg. Their journey then took them abroad to study in London, at Yale University and University of Kansas.Concert pianist Ulrika Hebbe and cellist Lars-Inge Bjärlestam formed Duo Sentire and soon made a strong impression on audiences both at home and abroad.
What defines the duo is their curiosity and openness towards other musical genres. Duo Sentire enjoys crossing boundaries, blending styles freely and performing in a variety of constellations. They are known for creating programmes that reach a broad and diverse audience.
Together, they have inspired audiences, created new projects and toured extensively in Sweden and internationally. Duo Sentire also has a strong commitment to children’s right to culture in schools. Much of the message in their music is already contained in their name: Sentire means to listen, to feel. That is what it is all about. Taking the time to listen. Opening the senses.
Duo Sentire sharing a moment of laughter at home in the countryside.
Live on Swedish Television (SVT) with Trio Sentire, together with violinist Nils-Erik Sparf.
Worldwide Tours
When these two musical forces came together, ideas quickly began to grow and develop. This led to nearly ten years of extensive touring in countries such as Italy, England, Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Cuba, the Philippines, and the United States.
Together, the passionate musicians were selected to represent Sweden at international festivals. Audiences were immediately drawn to their vibrant presence, virtuosic playing, and ability to move freely across musical boundaries. The duo has also taken part in numerous radio, television, and recording productions.
Collaborations with World-Class Artists
As a duo, they have collaborated with singers and artists across a wide range of genres. They have performed piano trio repertoire together with, among others, the world-renowned violinist Grigori Zhyslin, Nils-Erik Sparf, and Joakim Svenheden, as well as piano and string quintet works with the Komitas Quartet from Armenia.
For several years, Lars-Inge was engaged as an alternating principal cellist with the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Mariss Jansons. Numerous tours followed, including performances at Carnegie Hall in New York, Royal Albert Hall in London, Chatelet and Salle Pleyel in Paris and Salzburg Festspiele. Lars-Inge has also given masterclasses in Taiwan, Estonia, Portugal, and Cuba, and is a highly sought-after cello pedagogue.
Claes Elfsberg and Duo Sentire just before going on stage.
Manilla Chamber Orchestra together with Ulrika Hebbe as piano soloist.
The Komitas Quartet in a unique collaboration with Duo Sentire.
Where Cultures Meet
With their base in the countryside of Värmland, rehearsals often took place in a renovated barn adapted for musical work. Ahead of concerts and tours, musicians from all corners of the world would gather there, captivated by the contrasts of life.
After rehearsals came long dinners and meaningful conversations. These encounters inspired the daughters from an early age to understand the value of meeting across cultures, generations, and backgrounds, and the importance of recognising the equal worth of every human being, regardless of experience or status. The conversations were lively and wide-ranging, touching on everything between heaven and earth, from global questions to life itself and, of course, music.
Audio Clips
Listening samples coming soon.
At home in the countryside, feeding the chickens.
Concert at the Wendela Hebbe House in Södertälje in 2000.
Georg Riedel performing with The Hebbe family in 2003.
In a Red Cottage in the Countryside
In a red cottage deep in the forest, close to animals and nature, they created a safe environment and a place for creativity to grow.
When the daughters Emelie, Josefine, and Maria were born into a home filled with playfulness and love, music was always present in every corner. Father Lars-Inge practised Brahms under the cherry tree while the children danced around the garden together with the lamb Ulf, inspired by the world of Bullerbyn. Every day, mother Ulrika played the piano in the playroom while the children sang with joy, to songs by Alice Tegnér, Georg Riedel, Gullan Bornemark, and many others.
The Children Join In – Concerts with Georg Riedel
Concerts where the daughters took part began to take shape early on. The eldest sister, Emelie, sang first, followed by middle sister Josefine, who showed interest at the age of three. Soon after, the youngest sister Maria joined in, happily taking part from the age of five. The family began performing concerts at an early stage, quickly filling venues with enthusiastic and captivated audiences.
Legends such as Georg Riedel joined them on stage, and musical history was already being created. Over the years, the family continued to develop new and creative concert programmes that spread among curious concertgoers. These included programmes featuring songs by Alice Tegnér. Just as then, the family’s musical journey continues today, guided by joy, curiosity, and a deep love of music.
Three-Part Harmony – The Hebbe Sisters
The eldest sister, Emelie, became involved in close harmony singing at an early age. At just twelve years old, she wrote a three-part arrangement of Summertime,which later became one of the sisters’ signature pieces. In 2008, they took the name The Hebbe Sisters and began performing on a variety of stages, both as a trio and together with the entire family. In 2009, the sisters reached the semi-finals of Talang on TV4, opening the door to many new and exciting experiences.
Their individual voices blend into a uniquely unified sound, something that comes naturally from being sisters. In 2019, they were awarded a prestigious scholarship from Orphei Drängar and had the opportunity to perform together with their role models in the vocal group The Real Group. Early on, they were recognised for their genuine joy, radiant presence, musicality, and strong connection with the audience.
The sisters have studied at, among others, Ingesund School of Music, BASE23 in Stockholm, and have taken vocal lessons with renowned teachers such as Anders Hörngren and opera professor Barbara Bonney in Salzburg. They also have extensive experience in dance, in various styles, and have taken part in several professional musical productions. At their grandmother Ingegerd’s home, they were early on inspired by music from the 1930s and 1940s, its distinctive style and expression, as well as dance forms such as tap dance and lindy hop.
The whole family gathered after a successful concert.
The sisters performing together in the playroom.
Maria discovering the piano, playing purely for joy.
The Hebbe Family – a long history of success
The Hebbe Family has enjoyed many years of success with their varied concert programmes. With nine international tours, sold-out concerts across Sweden, and several albums recorded together, their musical journey continues to grow. They have performed at Lasse Holm’s 80th birthday celebration and recently gave an unforgettable concert together with Östen med Resten.
The list of musical adventures could be long. The family’s unique energy and professionalism make organisers return to them time and time again. Driven by a strong entrepreneurial spirit and creative force, the family is constantly developing new projects and collaborations. Stay tuned so you don’t miss what comes next.
…and the story continues!
The Hebbe Family creates concert experiences from our family to yours. With a sense of warmth, tradition, and playfulness, these vibrant artists continue to touch people through their music. Together, they look forward to meeting you and reaching even more hearts with their musical sincerity.
We live in a time when we need to take care of what truly matters!