Born in Gävle on 15th March 1910, died in Vänersborg on 26th January 1999. He studied the piano, conducting and composition at the State Academy of Music in Stockholm, 1928-1935. He continued his studies in Leipzig 1936-1937, which earned him a German diploma in conducting. Wahlberg has held numerous musical directorships, e.g. at the Gothenburg City Theatre 1943-1951 and as conductor of the Gothenburg Park Orchestra 1947-1949. He was Municipal Director of Music, Kramfors 1953-1957, Hofors 1957-1964, Härnösand 1964-1969 and Hudiksvall 1969-1975. He undertook several concert tours as a pianist and contributed to several Swedish newspapers as a music reviewer and columnist.

Musical performance has been a powerful motive force behind Rune Wahlberg’s own compositions. Conducting has given him a knowledge of the immense tonal potentialities of the orchestra, hence the large number of orchestral works (including seven symphonies) in his listed output. Otherwise nature and the changing seasons appear to be one of his main sources of inspiration. Vårnatt (Spring Night), Årstidssånger (Seasonal Songs) and Vårbrytning (Coming of Spring) are significant titles in this respect. His latest three symphonies are entitled Havet (The Sea), Episoder (Episodes) and Jordesång (Song of the Earth). Stylistically he has evolved a personalised romantic tone with elements of expressionism. Hans-Gunnar Peterson