Sven-David Sandström was a prominent Swedish composer born on October 30, 1942, in Motala, Sweden, and passed away on June 10, 2019, in Stockholm. He was renowned for his contributions to classical music, particularly in the genres of opera, oratorio, ballet, and choral works, as well as orchestral compositions. Sandström's education included studies in art history and musicology at Stockholm University, followed by musical composition at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, where he later became a faculty member. He also taught at Indiana University Bloomington's Jacobs School of Music for fifteen years.

Throughout his career, Sandström was known for his reinterpretations of classical choral works, drawing inspiration from composers like Bach and Handel. His notable compositions include "The High Mass," a Requiem, and the opera "Jeppe: The Cruel Comedy." His work was characterized by a blend of modernist, minimalist, jazz, and popular music elements. Sandström's contributions to music earned him several prestigious awards, including the Christ Johnson Prize, the Nordic Council Award, and the Buxtehude Award. His legacy includes a vast catalogue of over ninety works performed across Europe and Scandinavia.