Iceland Music presents PODIUM, A New Platform For Exporting Composers Features Bára Gísladóttir, Högni, And Gyða Valtýsdóttir For 202
PODIUM is an exclusive platform held with DARK MUSIC DAYS where Iceland’s most promising exporting artists can present their projects for world-class artistic directors.
Iceland Music presents PODIUM, a prestigious new export platform for Icelandic artists presenting their projects to international creative directors, publishers, and media. This exclusive event is held as a part of the DARK MUSIC DAYS festival, Iceland’s leading contemporary festival.
This year’s programme is uniquely diverse, including everything from lauded composers and symphonic sounds to installations and experimental works by artists most known for their work in other genres. Highlights include compositions and performances by Gyða Valtýsdóttir, Ragga Gísla, GROWL POWER - The music of Bára Gísladóttir, Cantoque Ensemble ́s portrayal of Thorkell Sigurbjörnsson through his choral works and Iceland Symphony Orchestra's premiere of The Wanderer Symphony – an avant-garde piece on an abstract multi-disciplinary journey on matters of the heart.
PODIUM 2024, this year’s presented artists
They truly capture the essence of what makes Iceland such a hub for world-class contemporary music.
Bergrún Snæbjörnsdóttir
Known for her "elemental style," (Steve Smith, The New Yorker) presents three works—'Agape' (2021), 'Ecognosis' (2021-22), and 'Areolae Undant' (2017). These compositions share a common methodology, emphasising individual performer interpretation is at the crux of the structures unfolding.
DARK MUSIC DAYS performance: 19:30 – 21:30 Thursday, January 25, 2024 as a part of Iceland Symphony Orchestra’s concert at Dark Music DaysBjörg Brjánsdóttir & Bára Gísladóttir
Flutist Björg Brjánsdóttir and composer Bára Gísladóttir have enjoyed a fruitful collaboration over the years in writing and performing new music for the flute, including works GROWL POWER, GLÓÐ|STELPA and THE INTERNET. The works were written in 2022, each a tribute to an instrument on its own, with or without electronics.
DARK MUSIC DAYS performance: 22:00 - 23:00 at Harpa, Wednesday January 24, 2024Gyða Valtýsdóttir & Úlfur Hansson
R • O • R, a collaboration between Gyða Valtýsdóttir & Úlfur Hansson, combines cello and a custom-made synthesizer to create a transcendental and ethereal soundscape. The project explores the chemical compound of Ether and the creation of entirely different matter when two elements come together.
DARK MUSIC DAYS performance: 16:00 - 17:00 Saturday, January 27, 2024Ensemble Adapter - Mathias Engler
Ensemble Adapter showcases three creative collaborations, including a performance lecture on a lost collaboration between John Cage and Toru Takemitsu, an experimental live radio play, and a micro music theatre. The ensemble treats music as a contemporary art form, engaging in diverse projects worldwide.
DARK MUSIC DAYS performance: 22:00 23:00 Thursday, January 25, 2024
Stefán Sand, Thomas Hammel & Haukur Darri Hauksson:
"Look at the Music" is a project challenging misconceptions about Deaf individuals' connection to music. Composed pieces by Stefan Sand and Eygló Höskuldsdóttir Viborg showcase the musical sense of Deaf people and the poetry of Sign-Languages through a concert tour across Nordic cities.
Högni Egilsson
Högni Egilsson presents his Piano Concerto, "The Mountain," exploring the subconscious, shared stories, and common myths through the piano and chamber ensemble. The composition reflects on the relentless quest for unity and pursuit of peace.Úlfur Eldjárn
Úlfur Eldjárn presents various works, including HAMRABORGIN—a musical short film for 7 drummers, MIRARI—an electro-acoustic work, PÉNÓ—a live augmented piano performance, MUSIQUE NON-STOP for Caput Ensemble, REYKJAVÍK GPS—a location-based composition, and ongoing projects like collaborations and interactive versions of his works.