Ylva Skog, born in 1963 in Västmanland, is a Swedish composer known for her bold, intuitive style and rhythmic vitality. Originally trained as a nurse, she later turned to music, studying composition at the Stockholm Academy of Music from 1994 to 1999 under Lars Ekström, Lars-Erik Rosell, and Pär Lindgren, among others.
Skog draws inspiration from a wide range of sources—visual art, literature, and diverse musical traditions. Her works often feature unconventional instrumentation, such as steelpan, pedal organ, or even sirens, and she moves freely between genres, blending classical, jazz, rock, and Latin American influences. She also composes electroacoustic and choral music, with performances across Europe and the USA. One of her early successes was Fyra sånger, premiered in 1998 during the Ladies Next concert series in Stockholm.
She has taught young composers, given guest lectures, and works as a studio assistant at EMS (Electroacoustic Music in Sweden). Skog is also a founding member of the women composers' association Opus 96.
