An iconic electronic anthem received a striking new interpretation at this year’s Nobel Prize ceremonies, as Swedish House Mafia’s “One” was reimagined in a fully orchestral setting. The performance, arranged by renowned Swedish composer Jacob Mühlrad, took place last week inside the historic Stockholm City Hall, transforming the genre-defining track into a moment of contemporary classical reflection. Originally released with Pharrell Williams and credited with helping shape an entire decade of EDM, “One” was stripped of its synth-heavy production and reframed through a symphonic lens, highlighting its melodic core and emotional weight.
Mühlrad approached the arrangement with the same modern classical rigor that earned his choral work Anim Zemirot global acclaim. By replacing electronic textures with sweeping strings, layered brass, and restrained percussion, he revealed a new dimension of the track—one that bridged club culture and concert hall tradition. The result was both reverent and transformative, honoring the original while elevating it into a timeless orchestral statement.
The performance was further enhanced by an immersive visual environment developed by Alexander Wessely. Acting as creative director for the 2025 ceremony, Wessely—best known as a longtime creative collaborator and visual designer for Swedish House Mafia—designed an atmospheric backdrop tailored specifically to Stockholm City Hall. According to a press release, his installation traced “the evolution of light,” creating a subtle yet powerful visual narrative that complemented the music and the grandeur of the venue.
The orchestral rendition of “One” formed part of the 2025 Nobel Prize ceremonies, held on December 10th in Stockholm and Oslo. The events celebrated this year’s laureates through formal speeches and the Norwegian Nobel Committee’s iconic banquet. This year’s Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Venezuelan politician and opposition leader María Corina Machado, underscoring the ceremony’s broader themes of resilience, progress, and global impact.
By uniting electronic music heritage, contemporary classical composition, and immersive visual design, the symphonic performance of “One” stood out as a powerful cultural moment—one that demonstrated how modern dance music can transcend its origins and resonate within the world’s most prestigious institutions.
You can watch the symphonic performance of “One” below.
