Við Djúpið

Midnight sun on the mountain tops in Ísafjörður

The Við Djúpið Music Festival (Icelandic pronunciation: [ˈvɪːð ˈtjuːpɪθ]) is an annual music event held in Ísafjörður, located in the Westfjords of Iceland. Established in 2003, the festival focuses on classical and contemporary music, providing a platform for world-renowned musicians and emerging talent to come together in a unique and inspiring setting.

History and origin

Aerial view of Ísafjörður

The Við Djúpið Music Festival was founded with the goal of creating a unique space where international artists could collaborate with Icelandic musicians and students. The festival offers master classes and performances in the stunning, remote natural setting of Ísafjörður in the Westfjords. Its name, Við Djúpið, reflects its connection to the majestic fjord Ísafjarðardjúp, emphasising the festival’s integration of music and nature, a core element of its identity.

Education and Collaboration

Education has been at the heart of Við Djúpið since its inception. The festival has hosted master classes with internationally renowned musicians, offering students a rare opportunity to learn from world-class artists such as Erling Blöndal Bengtsson (cellist), Vovka Ashkenazy (pianist), and the members of the Pacifica Quartet. Further expanding its educational offerings, the festival has partnered with ensembles like Decoda, an affiliate ensemble of Carnegie Hall, and composers such as Bent Sørensen and Daniel Bjarnason. These collaborations have made Við Djúpið a hub of artistic mentorship, allowing students to engage with a diverse range of talents.

The master classes have been held in close cooperation with the Iceland Academy of the Arts and are accredited by its department of music, adding an official educational layer to the experience. The Ísafjörður Music School and the Rögnvaldur Ólafsson Art School in the Edinborg House have also served as key venues, supporting the festival’s educational and artistic missions.

Notable Performances

Throughout its history, Við Djúpið has hosted an impressive roster of international and Icelandic musicians, offering a broad spectrum of classical and contemporary performances. Highlights include:

• Evan Ziporyn (clarinetist, composer, and member of Bang on a Can) who gave a master class and concert in 2007.
• In 2008, the festival featured Finnish violinist Pekka Kuusisto, pianists Simon Crawford-Phillips and Håkon Austbø, all of whom delivered captivating performances.
• Jorja Fleezanis (violinist) gave master class and performed a recital along Anna Guðný Guðmyndsdóttir (pianist) in 2012.
• The Ísafold Chamber Orchestra, an Icelandic ensemble known for its engaging interpretations of classical and modern works.
• The German avant-garde group Orchester im Treppenhaus, which added a contemporary edge to the festival’s program.

The festivals

2006 – June 20–25

Sigrún Hjálmtýsdóttir, soprano and Anna Guðný Guðmundsdóttir pianist taught a masterclass and gave a concert. Peter Máté, pianist and Guðrún S. Birgisdóttir, flutist taught a master class. Concerts were also given by pianist Tinna Þorsteinsdóttir and the Icelandic jazz-trio Flís.

2007 – June 19–24

Erling Blöndal Bengtsson, cellist and Vovka Ashkenazy, pianist held master classes and concerts. A master class in Balinesian music led by Evan Ziporyn, clarinetist, composer, and member of the renowned band "Bang on a Can", and Christine Southworth, gamelan musician. The young and inventive Icelandic jazz pianist Davíð Þór Jónsson taught piano improvisation. The Icelandic experimental modern music group Aton appeared in two concerts, one of them a special Midsummernight's concert, which was broadcast nationwide by the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service (RÚV).

2008 – June 17–23

The 2012 festival poster designed by Gunnar Vilhjálmsson.

In the classical department, the artists who we proudly presented were: Pekka Kuusisto, violinist with Simon Crawford-Phillips, pianist as well as Norwegian pianist Håkon Austbø. There was an opera workshop led by Hanna Dóra Sturludóttir, soprano and conductor/pianist Kurt Kopecky. Violinist Una Sveinbjarnardóttir taught a chamber music course and a violin course. The jazz sector featured jazz pianist Agnar Már Magnússon who led a class in piano improvisation. Other performers were Anna Guðný Guðmunsdóttir, pianist, Berglind María Tómasdóttir, flutist and Tinna Þorsteinsdóttir, pianist.

2012 – June 19–24

The 10th annual festival took place in 2012 marking a milestone where new elements and core aspects of the festival reached a peak. The event featured master classes, concerts, and a new late-night songwriter series, "Söngvaskáldin." Main instructors included violinist Jorja Fleezanis, flautist Stefán Ragnar Höskuldsson, and pianist Vovka Ashkenazy. Composer Daníel Bjarnason led a workshop with musicians from The Declassified (Decoda).

New Era

From the festival's final concert on June 22nd 2024.

2024 – June 17–22

The festival featured a diverse lineup, including the German chamber group Orchester im Treppenhaus and composer Ellis Ludwig-Leone, American Antigone Piano Trio blending American and German influences. Icelandic soprano Herdís Anna Jónsdóttir performed Schubert’s Winterreise with the orchestra, while cellist Sæunn Þorsteinsdóttir premiered the piece Eilífur snjór. The festival emphasized international collaboration and local participation, offering master classes and concerts.

Management

Based on the Icelandic Wikipedia entry for Við Djúpið, the festival was founded in 2003 by Guðrún Birgisdóttir (flutist) and Pétur Jónasson (guitarist). Over the years, key figures like Greipur Gíslason, Tinna Þorsteinsdóttir, and Dagný Arnalds have taken on significant roles in organizing and leading the festival. Since 2023, Bjarney Ingibjörg Gunnlaugsdóttir has joined Greipur in leading the event. The festival is known for its educational focus and collaboration with local institutions like the Ísafjörður Music School.

External links

Media related to Við Djúpið at Wikimedia Commons