HEIÐA ÁRNADÓTTIR

​Heiða Árnadóttir has focused her career on the performance of modern music, folk, jazz, experimental works, and lied music. She has premiered compositions by many Icelandic composers, including Gunnar Karel Másson, Ásbjörg Jónsdóttir, Þórunn Gréta Sigurðardóttir, Ragnheiður Erla Björnsdóttir, Þóranna Björnsdóttir, and Guðmundur Steinn Gunnarsson. Heiða is a pivotal figure in the Icelandic new music scene, renowned for her innovative and unconventional use of the voice. As a pioneer, she explores a wide array of vocal techniques that push the boundaries of her voice. Heiða frequently collaborates closely with composers, involving herself in the creative process from the very beginning. This deep engagement enhances her performances, allowing her to connect with the music on a profound level. Her commitment to performing from memory, without relying on musical scores, adds an extra layer of authenticity and engagement for her audience. Heiða was nominated for the Icelandic Music Awards in the category of "Classical Singer of the Year" in both 2020 and 2022. In 2024, she received "Singer of the Year" at Gríman, the Iceland Performing Arts Awards for her performance in the opera/ poetic tale "MÖRSUGUR."

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From 2020 to 2023, Heiða served as the artist-in-residence for the modern music festival "Dark Music Days". In addition to numerous concerts in Iceland, where she has premiered various compositions with Ensemble Adapter and Caput, Heiða has also performed in the Netherlands, Belgium, France, India, Sweden, and Denmark, often with her band Mógil. Her performances include appearances at Nordic Music Days, Iceland Airwaves, Skálholt Summer Festival, Siglufjörður Folk Festival, Reykjavík Jazz Festival, and various international festivals such as WOMEX in Copenhagen. Heiða completed her Master's degree in classical singing at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague.

 

Heiða has composed songs and lyrics and is the vocalist for the band Mógil, which has released four CDs. Their album "Ró" was nominated for the Icelandic Music Awards in 2008, while their latest CD, "Adventa," inspired by Gunnar Gunnarsson's famous novel of the same name, was released by the esteemed German publishing company Winter and Winter in 2019. Additionally, Heiða released a CD and vinyl titled "Tunglið og ég," featuring the music of French composer Michel Legrand, with lyrics in Icelandic, accompanied by pianist Gunnar Gunnarsson.

 

Heiða is an outstanding singer with a remarkable sensitivity to the material, bringing a fresh approach to contemporary music. Her unique charisma as a performer captivates audiences, as she masterfully creates an immersive world around her music. When Heiða is alone on stage, she effortlessly fills the space with her presence, striking a perfect balance between sincerity and engagement that draws everyone in.