Bjarni Frímann Bjarnason

COMPOSER | ARTIST

Located in: Malmö, Sweden
Open for: collaborations
Genre: Classical

Bjarni Frímann, an Icelandic conductor, composer, and instrumentalist who has made significant contributions to the world of music throughout his career. Over the past seasons he has conducted several orchestras in works like Mozart’s Requiem, Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, The Firebird by Stravinsky and Monteverdi’s Vespers.

In 2018, he was named music director and conductor of the Iceland National Opera where he premiered productions of Tosca, La Traviata, Le Nozze di Figaro, Hänsel und Gretel, and new productions by Anna Thorvaldsdóttir and Daníel Bjarnason. The same year, he was appointed Conductor in residence at the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and has conducted orchestras like the Hallé Orchestra, Rundfunk Sinfonieorchester Berlin and Orchestra Teatro Colón.

After having worked with the Icelandic icon Bjørk since 2016, and been an active force in the Icelandic music scene, Bjarni Frímann has moved to Sweden. Frímann will work at the Malmö Opera in several of their upcoming projects in the upcoming season. Additionally, he is slated to conduct the Iceland Symphony Orchestra twice during the upcoming season, further solidifying his reputation as a dynamic and sought-after conductor in the classical music world.

As a conductor, pianist, violist, and composer, Bjarnason has already collaborated with some of Iceland’s most influential contemporary artists. From conducting orchestras at renowned venues worldwide to composing scores for film and theater productions, Frímann’s diverse musical skills have flourished. His versatility as a studio instrumentalist shines through in his arrangements and performances for acclaimed pop acts, as well as his leadership in recordings and concerts with SinfoniaNord. Frímann has extensive experience as a répétiteur and accompanist, and is highly regarded by singers and musicians for his contributions to recitals, recordings, and concerts.
In 2016, Bjarni Frímann won the Brightest Prospect Award at the Icelandic Music Awards. After completing his studies as a violinist and violist at the Iceland Academy of the Arts, he was admitted to Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler in Berlin, where he studied conducting with Fred Buttkewitz and piano.
Frímann’s dedication to contemporary music is evident in his premieres of around 200 pieces for orchestra or ensemble, showcasing both his interpretive depth and technical proficiency. 

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