Gísli Magnússon is an Icelandic composer who creates atmospheric music inspired by nature, mystery, dreams, and surrealism. His portfolio spans from intimate solo compositions to expansive orchestral scores, driven by a fascination with evocative sonic landscapes and detailed instrumentation.
He studied composition at the Iceland Academy of the Arts under Gunnar A. Kristinsson, Hróðmar I. Sigurbjörnsson, and Atli Ingólfsson, later earning his Master’s degree from the Amsterdam Conservatory in 2017 under Joël Bons, Willem Jeths, and Wim Henderickx. He has further refined his craft through masterclasses and private study with notable composers, including Kaija Saariaho, Francisco Filidei, and Fabien Lévy.
Following his selection for Yrkja - the Iceland Symphony Orchestra’s workshop for emerging composers - his orchestral work Akvocirkulado was premiered in 2018. Since then, Magnússon’s music has been performed by ensembles and orchestras internationally, with features at prominent festivals including Nordic Music Days, Dark Music Days, Musiikin Aika, Bled Contemporary Music Week, and the ISCM World New Music Days.
