A creative powerhouse and shining beacon of modern classical music descends on the capital. Icelandic composer Daníel Bjarnason is ready to share and demonstrate his artistic versatility as he joins the Copenhagen Opera Festival for a week as Guest Artist in Residence.

Daníel Bjarnason is a trained pianist, composer and conductor based in Reykjavik, and his many award-winning works and collaborations span across media, genres and national borders.

Bjarnason's dynamic compositions have been performed by sought-after conductors such as Esa-Pekka Salonen and Gustavo Dudamel, and he has himself performed with prominent orchestras around the world, from the Los Angeles Philharmonic to the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra. His résumé includes the critically acclaimed opera 'Brothers', and outside the classical world he has collaborated with heavyweight rock names such as Sigur Rós and Brian Eno.

Festival Director and Artistic Director Amy Lane talks about the Guest Artist in Residence, who during his time at Copenhagen Opera Festival will be responsible for a composition master class, among other things:

“We are delighted to welcome none other than Daníel Bjarnason as Guest Artist of the Year! Daníel's innovative versatility proves always to create musical events that invigorate, inspire and make us think.”

Daníel Bjarnason will also take part in engaging artist talks with director Kasper Holten and stage designer Steffen Aarfing among others.