Gísli Magnússon
COMPOSER
Gísli Magnússon is a composer and music teacher from Reykjavík, Iceland, known for his evocative and texture-rich compositions that explore the realms of nature, mystery, dreams and surrealism. Some of his earlier works, such as Strokkur and Svartifoss, showcase quite elaborate depictions of waterfalls, geysers and other natural phenomena through intricate textures. And while the focus has slightly shifted in his more recent works, texture still remains a vital element of his musical output.
Magnússon studied composition at the Iceland Academy of the Arts (BA) and Conservatorium van Amsterdam (MA), where he graduated in 2017. His teachers include Hróðmar I. Sigurbjörnsson, Atli Ingólfsson, Willem Jeths and Wim Henderickx. He has also attended courses with renowned composers such as Kaija Saariaho, Francisco Filidei and Fabien Lévy.
In 2017 Magnússon was selected for Yrkja, a workshop for young composers with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, under the guidance of Daníel Bjarnason. This led to the premiere of his orchestral work Akvocirkulado. Since then, Magnússon has collaborated with various ensembles, including Caput, Jökla, Elja, Uusinta, Kompass, 4x5 Duo and Tempo, and his works have been featured in festivals such as Dark Music Days, Nordic Music Days, Rondò in Monferrato, Musiikin Aika and World New Music Days.