The Best and the Brightest

Ísafold, represented by some of the best and brightest of Iceland's classically trained musicians, is a chamber orchestra founded in 2003, comprised of 17 individuals plus their conductor, Daníel Bjarnason. Each and every member is worthy of praise, as most are graduates of world-class institutions or young professionals just embarking on their careers, but a special nod must go to Elfa Rún Kristínsdóttir, who won first prize at the prestigious International Johann Sebastian Bach Competition, while also being the youngest violinist to take part in the competition. No small feat -  besting individuals five to ten years her senior.

Ísafold has done quite well as an independent group, with no ties and arranging its own way; now they are in the midst of signing a deal for five records with 12 Tónar. They emphasize music from the 19th and 20th centuries, tackling such composers as Schoenberg and Debussy. Ísafold has received glowing praise from leading critics in this country and their conductor is heavily lauded, so they are obviously no flash in the pan.

This year Haukur Tómasson, 2004 winner of the Nordic Council Music Prize, will be composing work that Ísafold will play, while Ísafold began the year with the Vienna New Year's concert as an homage to Schoenberg and his attempts to introduce contemporary classical music. Their schedule for this summer is Ísafjörður, Akureyri and the National Gallery of Iceland. Sooner or later Ísafold intends to go as "Vikings" to other countries, so here is a chance to see some of Iceland's greatest talents before they cease to be just promising and become something quite different.

-mld