Various Composers - Ea fantasia (Una Sveinbjarnardóttir)

Information

1. Nicola Matteis - Alia fantasia
2. Lilja María Ásmundsdóttir - Fragile Stillness
3. Karolina Eiriksdottir - Meditation
4. Una Sveinbjarnardóttir - Ea fantasia
5. María Huld Markan Sigfúsdóttir - Aria
6. Tryggvi Baldvinsson - Adagio
7. John Speight - Soliloquy I
8. John Speight - Soliloquy II
9. Veronique Vaka Jacques - Ofdune
10. Sveinn Lúðvík Björnsson - Tranquility
11. Jón Nordal - Each Tiny Step (Arr. for Violin by Una Sveinbjarnardóttir)

Una Sveinbjarnardóttir, violin

Date: 2026

Label: Sono Luminus

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This Icelandic solo violin project, conceived by Una Sveinbjarnardóttir, grew from her first encounter in 2006 with Hugleiðing (Meditation) by Karólína Eiríksdóttir. The album brings together works spanning commissions, personal inspirations, and original composition, including Soliloquy by John Speight, written especially for her in 2013, alongside newer works by violinist-composers Lilja María Ásmundsdóttir and María Huld Markan Sigfúsdóttir. Sveinbjarnardóttir’s own Ea Fantasia draws inspiration from Nicola Matteis Jr., while also reflecting the influence of landmark violin works such as Fratres and Chaconne. Rooted in Iceland’s rich fiddle tradition, the programme explores musical heritage, virtuosity, and introspective expression.

Una Sveinbjarnardóttir is a leading figure in Icelandic classical music, serving as leader of the Reykjavík Chamber Orchestra and concertmaster of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra. Active as a soloist, chamber musician, and improviser, she has performed concertos ranging from Ludwig van Beethoven and Dmitri Shostakovich to contemporary Icelandic composers including Atli Heimir Sveinsson and Páll Ragnar Pálsson. A founding member of the Siggi String Quartet, she has also collaborated with artists such as Björk and Jóhann Jóhannsson. Alongside composing for film, theatre, and concert performance, her works include Vagus Symphony, Opacity, and Ea Fantasia. Her recordings, including Umleikis and LAST SONG, highlight her distinctive voice as both violinist and composer.