Helena Munktell (1852–1919) was a Swedish composer known for her richly orchestrated works and contributions to Scandinavian classical music. Born into an artistic and well-connected family in Grycksbo, Sweden, she received early musical training from Ludvig Norman and Joseph Dente in Stockholm before continuing her studies in Paris. There, she studied composition with Benjamin Godard and gained exposure to the vibrant French musical scene, which influenced her compositional style. Munktell became an active participant in Parisian musical circles and was one of the first Swedish women to have her orchestral music performed internationally.

Her music blends Romantic and Impressionist elements, often incorporating Swedish folk influences. She composed in a variety of genres, including art songs, choral works, chamber music, and orchestral compositions. Her Suite dalécarlienne, inspired by the traditional music of her native Dalarna region, remains one of her most celebrated works. She was also a pioneer among female composers in Sweden, becoming one of the first women admitted to the Royal Swedish Academy of Music. Despite her talents, her music was overshadowed by male contemporaries, and only in recent years has her work begun to receive more recognition.

Munktell remained dedicated to composing until her death in 1919. Though her output was not vast, her works demonstrate a unique synthesis of Nordic traditions and European Romanticism, making her an important figure in Swedish music history. Modern revivals of her compositions, including recordings and performances, have helped restore her legacy, allowing audiences to appreciate her distinctive voice. Her contributions paved the way for future generations of Swedish women composers, and her music continues to be rediscovered by musicians and scholars today.