If you are a Danish-based composer you can apply to participate in Northern Connection and collaborate with Icelandic performer Þórhildur Magnúsdóttir on a large solo commission to be performed at Dark Music Days (IS) and Klang Festival (DK) in 2026.

The commission

As part of the collaboration we aim at commissioning a 30 minutes solo piece. The piece is written for the viola player Þórhildur Magnúsdóttir, and can include electronics. We expect the composer and performer to work closely together on the piece. The piece will have to be finished by November 1st 2025.

The work should reflect this year’s theme of Northern Connection; “Borders and boundaries”. 

We are especially interested in works that can be performed in an open space (for example, a foyer or similar public setting), and that have the possibility to be adapted to different contexts. 

The commission will be administered by Art Music Denmark and will be a co-comission between Dark Music Days, Klang Festival, Art Music Denmark and Iceland Music.

Economy

The commission fee is DKK 45.000*

Travel, accommodation and per diem in relation to performances and workshops is covered by the project.

* This project is partly reliant on external funding. If appropriate funding is not secured in good time both the composer and Northern Connection can choose to cancel the project or collaborate on a new frame for the piece and collaboration. Please note that, due to the Danish funding structure, the composer is expected to participate in the funding effort.

The performer

Þórhildur Magnúsdóttir is a vialo player and performer from Iceland based in Copenhagen. Þórhildur is a member of Tríó Sól, a non-traditional string trio and Elja ensemble. Þórhildur takes great interest in new experimental music and free improvisation and seeks to collaborate with artists from various fields. She has performed as a soloist with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and played as an assistant with the same orchestra in the fall of 2024. Þórhildur studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Music with Asbjørn Nørgaard, Tim Frederiksen and Lars Anders Tomter and at KASK & Conservatorium in Ghent, Belgium with Diederik Suys.

See Þórhildur at performance here: “Improvisation at korpúlfsstaðir”

The workshop

The composer will get the opportunity to work on developing the new piece with the performer at 2-3 days workshop. The workshop will take place in Denmark or Iceland in the fall 2025.

The performances

The new piece will be premiered at Dark Music Days (IS) in January 2026 with an additional performance at Klang Festival (DK) in June 2026. After the premiere the piece will be promoted through the festival network of Northern Connection.

You can read more about Dark Music Days here  and Klang festival here.

Northern Connection

Northern Connection is a new and innovative project that connects Nordic countries and Scotland by establishing and strengthening liaisons between composers, performers and festivals in contemporary music.

Northern Connection started in 2023 with the main partner countries Finland, Norway, and Scotland. The project continues with Iceland and Denmark joining. Northern Connection was initiated by Music Finland and is led by Nordic Music Export Offices.

Each country’s commissioned works will be performed at a festival in at least one of the partner countries, and possibly more, during 2025–2026.

You can read more about Northern Connection here.

Application

You apply by filling out this application form: APPLICATION FORM.

Your application should include a short CV, examples of previous works and a short stated idea for the new commission.

The selection jury consist of Þórhildur Magnúsdóttir and up to 5 festival directors from Klang (DK), Dark Music Days (IS), Musica Nova(FI), Ultima (NO) and Sound Festival (SC).

Deadline for submission is April 1st 23.59 GMT

For more info contact regin@artmusicdenmark.org / +45 31528617