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Composer

 

Maria Huld Markan Sigfúsdóttir is a renowned Icelandic composer and violinist. She was born on December 13, 1980, in Reykjavik, Iceland. Her parents were both musicians, and she grew up in a musical household. Her mother was a pianist, and her father was a composer and conductor. Maria started playing the violin at the age of four and showed exceptional talent from an early age. Maria received her early education in music at the Reykjavik College of Music. She then went on to study at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris, where she received a degree in violin performance. She also studied composition with the renowned composer and conductor Pierre Boulez. Maria's career as a composer began in earnest in 2005 when she won the Icelandic Music Award for Best Composition for her piece "Aequora." This was followed by a commission from the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra to compose a piece for their 60th anniversary. The resulting work, "Aurora," was premiered in 2006 and received critical acclaim. Maria's music is characterized by its use of Icelandic folk melodies and rhythms, as well as her interest in exploring the boundaries between different musical genres. Her compositions often feature unconventional instrumentation, such as the use of electronics and found objects. One of Maria's most well-known works is "Horses of Fire," a piece for string quartet and electronics. The piece was inspired by the Icelandic horse, a breed known for its unique gait and endurance. The work was premiered in 2013 by the Siggi String Quartet and has since been performed around the world. Another notable work by Maria is "Aequora," the piece that won her the Icelandic Music Award in 2005. The work is scored for string quartet and electronics and is inspired by the sea and the changing tides. The piece has been performed by numerous ensembles, including the Arditti Quartet and the Kronos Quartet. In addition to her work as a composer, Maria is also an accomplished violinist. She has performed as a soloist with numerous orchestras, including the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France. She is also a founding member of the Icelandic experimental pop group Amiina. Maria's music has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Nordic Council Music Prize in 2017. She is considered one of the most important composers of her generation and continues to push the boundaries of contemporary classical music.

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