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Þorkell Sigurbjörnsson (July 16, 1938 – January 30, 2013) is one of Iceland's leading composers. He wrote almost four hundred works and many of them have been recorded and published. Þorkell's catalogue is extremely diverse. He composed orchestral works, chamber works, solo concertos, children's operas, chamber operas, electronic and computer music, as well as numerous choral works and hymns.

 

Þorkell studied piano at Reykjavík Music School and went to graduate school in the United States, where composition became his main subject. Þorkell studied at the music departments of Hameline University in Minnesota and the University of Illinois. In addition, he attended courses in composition in Darmstadt, Germany and Nice, France.

 

Þorkell performed as a pianist and was a highly respected teacher, music critic and for years, he was a radio programmer at the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service. Þorkell was also very active in social activities; was chairman of the Icelandic Composers Society for many years, chairman of Musica Nova music society 1964-67 and president of the Association of Icelandic Artists 1982-86. In 1968, he founded the Icelandic Music Center together with other composers and was chairman of the board from its foundation until 1981. Þorkell served on the board of STEF for many years and was also the manager and board member of Reykjavík Art Festival. Þorkell was awarded an honorary doctorate at Hameline University in 1999 and was a member of the Royal Swedish Academy.

 

Þorkell's career and catalogue of works is an important part of the musical history and cultural heritage of Iceland, and his works undoubtedly plays a part in drawing attention to what Icelanders have to offer on the world stage of music.

 

 

Shorter version for concert programmes:

 

Þorkell Sigurbjörnsson (1938–2013) is one of Iceland's leading composers. His catalogue is extensive, including many of Iceland's most loved works, e.g. the hymn Heyr himnasmiður which has received world wide recognition.  His works have been and are still being recorded and published. Þorkell's catalogue is extremely diverse; orchestral works, chamber works, solo concertos, children's operas, chamber operas, electronic and computer music, as well as numerous choral works and hymns.

 

Þorkell performed as a pianist and was a highly respected teacher, music critic and radio programmer at the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service. He was active in social activities; was chairman of Tónskáldafélag Íslands, chairman of Musica Nova and president of the Association of Icelandic Artists. He was one of the founders of Iceland Music Information Centre and was chairman of the board from its foundation in 1968 until 1981. Þorkell served on the board of STEF for many years and was also manager and board member of the Art Festival in Reykjavík.

 

Þorkell's career and catalogue of works is an important part of the musical history and cultural heritage of Iceland, and his work undoubtedly plays a part in drawing attention to what Icelanders have to offer on the world stage of music.

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