HarrisonParrott Group is pleased to announce the signing of Academy Award-winning composer, cellist, and singer Hildur Guðnadóttir for her incredible range of classical works, varying from a symphonic celebration marking the 20^th anniversary of her debut recording Mount A, versatile new commissions, artist and composer residencies, and innovative multi-disciplinary projects such as her upcoming piece, Where to From. 

Guðnadóttir, an influential figure in both experimental, pop and contemporary music, has captivated audiences with her innovative soundscapes and intimate compositions. Known for her ground-breaking scores, Guðnadóttir has made a significant impact on film and television music. Notable works include the film Joker, for which she received an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Original Score, and the acclaimed HBO series Chernobyl, which earned her a Primetime EMMY and a GRAMMY Award. Recent orchestral works and new commissions were premiered at the BBC Proms with BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Dalia Stasesvska (Fact of the Matter) and with LA Philharmonic to name a few. 

Her music has been described as ​“discomfiting as the tragic history or malevolence on screen” highlighting her unique ability to evoke deep emotions through sound. Born in Iceland, Hildur began playing the cello at a young age and honed her skills at the Reykjavík Music Academy, the Iceland Academy of the Arts, and Universität der Künste Berlin. 

She has released four critically acclaimed solo albums: Mount A, Without Sinking, Leyfðu Ljósinu, and Saman, all on the Touch label and recognised by the Icelandic Music Awards. As a versatile artist, Guðnadóttir has collaborated with various esteemed musicians and composed for prestigious institutions, including Icelandic Symphony Orchestra and Tate Modern. 

Where to From, her new project commission, is an intimate sonic diary, for herself and friends. Guðnadóttir writes about the project: 

‘I have a fairly constant stream of music playing in my head. Sometimes I record this stream, a snapshot of my feeling-tone at that moment. You can capture a sense of timing with audio which you cannot with a pen. So, these recordings became a sort of diary of tonality.  

Having retreated from touring and playing concerts in the last few years, I’m very excited to be joined by an ensemble of friends to play the music of Where to From, along with songs from previous records. Strings and voices being our shared instruments, we have always had a strong resonance when we play together.’ 

Commissioned by a consortium of acclaimed venues and festivals such as The Barbican and various other of high-profile partners, Where To From features Guðnadóttir on cello, voice, and includes further three string players as well as two voice artists, and visual and lighting designer Theresa Baumgartner. 

HarrisonParrott in collaboration with Polyarts are proud to support Guðnadóttir in her classical works and multi-disciplinary projects in the upcoming seasons. 

Photo Credit: Camille Blake