Björn Wennås, Guitarist, Composer & Arranger.
Björn Wennås is a dynamic guitarist, composer, arranger, and music director whose artistic reach spans continents and genres. From jazz clubs and rock venues to Mediterranean folk stages and chamber music halls, his versatility and passion have made him a distinctive voice in today’s global music scene.
Originally from Sweden, Björn moved to Boston in 1999 to study at Berklee College of Music and then Longy School of Music of Bard College, where he earned his Master of Music degree. Since then, he has become a vital force in the Boston music community and beyond.
“…his dark-toned, electric lines surge forward with capacious voicings and probing chord progressions. …Wennas convey a mature vision during the preponderance of these craftily arranged works, awash with subtle surprises and the soloists hearty sojurns.”
- Glenn Astarita
He is a founding member of the Mediterranean ensemble Zafarán, which released its debut album in 2025, and a guitarist with the Irish folk group ISHNA, currently preparing for a studio release. Björn also served as Music Director, composer, and guitarist for the acclaimed Italian folk/world ensemble Newpoli until 2022. Under his musical leadership, Newpoli won the 2016 Independent Music Award for Best World Traditional Album and received multiple nominations and accolades, including finalist spots in the Premio Nazionale Città di Loano in Italy and performances in festivals across the US and in Italy.
As a composer and soloist, Björn has garnered international recognition. His jazz composition “Love Song” was nominated for a Just Plain Folks Award in 2004, and he was a finalist in Italy’s prestigious Massimo Urbani International Jazz Soloist Competition in 2005. His collaborations with vocalist Carmen Marsico led to further acclaim, including the song “Sciure d’arance,” a finalist in the 2016 USA Songwriting Competition.
In addition to live performance and composition, Björn has contributed to film scoring, most recently composing the original score for the 2025 short film The Rivals, which has received multiple international laurels. His contributions to the arts have been recognized with Iguana Awards (2017 & 2022), a Folk Alliance International Official Showcase (2018), and selection as a 2019 Library of Congress Artist.
Björn is one of the few musicians outside Italy who performs on the 10-stringed Chitarra Battente, continuing his commitment to preserving and innovating within traditional musical forms.