Role

:

Composer Performer

Birth

:

1971 in Iceland

 

Valgeir Sigurðsson is a renowned Icelandic composer, producer, and musician who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. He was born on September 8, 1970, in Reykjavik, Iceland, and grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a composer, and his mother was a pianist, which exposed him to music at an early age. Sigurðsson began his musical journey by learning the piano and guitar. He later studied classical guitar at the Reykjavik College of Music and went on to study composition at the California Institute of the Arts in Los Angeles. During his time in California, he was exposed to a wide range of musical styles, including jazz, rock, and electronic music, which influenced his compositions. Sigurðsson's early works were heavily influenced by the minimalist movement, which was popular in the 1980s. His compositions were characterized by repetitive patterns and simple harmonies, which created a hypnotic effect. He also experimented with electronic music, incorporating synthesizers and other electronic instruments into his compositions. In 1997, Sigurðsson co-founded the record label, Bedroom Community, with fellow musicians Nico Muhly and Ben Frost. The label was established to promote experimental music and to provide a platform for emerging artists. Sigurðsson has produced many of the label's releases, including his own albums. Sigurðsson's first solo album, "Ekvílibríum," was released in 2007. The album was well-received by critics and showcased his unique blend of classical and electronic music. The album featured collaborations with fellow Icelandic musicians, including singer-songwriter Jóhann Jóhannsson and cellist Hildur Guðnadóttir. Sigurðsson's second album, "Draumalandið," was released in 2010. The album was inspired by the Icelandic landscape and featured recordings of natural sounds, such as birdsong and the sound of the wind. The album was a departure from his earlier works and showcased his ability to create evocative soundscapes. In 2012, Sigurðsson composed the score for the film "Draumalandið," which was directed by his brother, Arnar Jónsson. The film was a documentary about the impact of the financial crisis on Iceland, and Sigurðsson's score captured the mood of the film perfectly. Sigurðsson's third album, "Architecture of Loss," was released in 2012. The album was a tribute to his father, who had passed away the previous year. The album featured collaborations with a number of musicians, including singer-songwriter Bonnie "Prince" Billy and composer Nico Muhly. Sigurðsson's fourth album, "Dissonance," was released in 2018. The album was a departure from his earlier works and featured a more experimental sound. The album was inspired by the concept of dissonance, which is the clash of two or more musical notes. The album featured collaborations with a number of musicians, including singer-songwriter JFDR and composer Nico Muhly. Sigurðsson's compositions have been performed by a number of orchestras and ensembles, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Iceland Symphony Orchestra. He has also collaborated with a number of musicians, including Björk, Feist, and Sigur Rós. In addition to his work as a composer and musician, Sigurðsson is also a producer. He has produced albums for a number of artists, including Feist, Bonnie "Prince" Billy, and Sam Amidon. Sigurðsson's contributions to the world of classical music have been significant.

More....