Magnus Gilljam was born in Sweden and studied piano initially at the Academy of Music at Gothenburg University. In 1999 he came to the UK for post-graduate studies in accompaniment at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and is now based in London working as a freelance pianist and musical director.

Magnus is a versatile musician and performs regularly as an accompanist in recitals around the UK and Europe. He works as a session pianist, repertoire and vocal coach and has also appeared on radio, TV and film.

During 2014-15 Magnus was touring the UK and internationally as musical director for the play THE EVENTS by Scottish playwright David Greig, working with over a hundred local community choirs taking part in the production.

Other musical direction credits include THE PRODUCERS (Chichester Uni – Alexandra Theatre), BERNARDA ALBA (GSA – Electric Theatre), STATE FAIR (Trafalgar Studios), THE FULL MONTY (New Players Theatre), ELEGIES FOR ANGELS, PUNKS AND RAGING QUEENS (AMTA – Theatro Technis) and a family adaption of Rossini’s LA CENERENTOLA for EPOC (Unicorn Theatre).

During his studies Magnus was awarded the Royal Swedish Academy’s Accompanist Award for three consecutive years, the GSMD Schubert Lieder Prize for accompanists, and the Titanic Memorial Award for accompaniment of English Song.