Hugi Guðmundsson appointed Composer-in-Residence of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra
Hugi Guðmundsson has been appointed Composer-in-Residence of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra (ISO) and will hold the position during the 2026–27 and 2027–28 seasons. For some time now, Hugi has been among Iceland's most prolific composers. He studied composition at the Reykjavík School of Music and the Royal Danish Academy of Music, and electronic music at the Institute of Sonology in The Hague. Hugi Guðmundsson has received numerous awards and distinctions, both in Iceland and internationally, including the Icelandic Music Awards, which he has won five times. His works have been nominated three times for the Nordic Council Music Prize and have received recognition at the International Rostrum of Composers. Most recently, Hugi was awarded a 12-month artist's salary grant from the Composers Salary Fund.
As Composer-in-Residence of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Hugi will compose four varied orchestral works of different sorts. One of his works will be featured at the opening subscription concert of the coming season, where it will receive its premiere under the baton of Barbara Hannigan. The concert will also mark Hannigan's first performance after assuming the role of Chief Conductor and Artistic Director of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra.
Hugi is already working on a concerto for Barbara Hannigan, to be premiered in May 2027, where she will appear both as a soloist and conductor. In addition, Hugi is composing two additional works for Iceland Symphony Orchestra, to be premiered during the 2027–28 season.
About two years ago I was in conversation with the ISO and Barbara Hannigan and immediately sensed a strong interest in possible collaboration. It therefore came as a very pleasant surprise when they raised the idea of an even broader partnership, in the form of a composer-in-residence position with the orchestra. I was 16 years old when I bought my first subscription series with the ISO, and the orchestra played a major role in my musical upbringing and in shaping me as a music lover. I have worked with the orchestra before and know many of its outstanding musicians. I really look forward to collaborating with Barbara Hannigan and the entire orchestra on the exciting projects ahead,” says Hugi Guðmundsson.
Guðni Tómasson Managing Director of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, comments on the occation:
To hear new Icelandic compositions come into being, in the hands of our national orchestra is especially joyful and exciting. It is also wonderful to be able to bring Barbara Hannigan and Hugi Guðmundsson together in collaboration, and I greatly look forward to hearing what will emerge from this partnership. Hopefully the music created will be able to soar far and wide. Ambition, craftsmanship, and great talent are abundantly present in Icelandic contemporary music, and the music of Hugi Guðmundsson is a splendid example of this.
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