THE STORY
The Við Djúpið Music Festival was first held in Ísafjörður and its vicinity around the summer solstice in 2003. From the beginning, offering courses has been a central part of the festival. Outstanding teachers participate and offer participants courses in a masterclass format. This courses have been considered a unique feature of the Iceland University of the Arts.
Since the start, it is a tradition for the main teachers of the festival to perform at its concerts, as the festival has always featured accomplished musicians to lead courses and lessons. Additionally, various other artists and students from the courses perform at the festival's concerts. From these concerts, the festival's course schedule and supplemental offerings were later developed.
First among these developments was a project that the Við Djúpið Music Festival, in collaboration with Rás 1, organized for four consecutive years: "Search for New Composers," where young composers were invited to collaborate with instrumentalists. New compositions were completed and performed.
The instrumental groups that participated were the Ísafold chamber ensemble, a wind quintet from the Nordic Chamber Soloists, and finally Ensemble ACJW from Carnegie Hall in New York (now Decoda).
In addition, lunchtime concerts have been organized, at times in collaboration with the University Centre of the Westfjords, and now at the Edinburgh House, where the public has the opportunity to delve a little deeper into the world of music through live performance.
VIÐ DJÚPIÐ TODAY
The Við Djúpið Music Festival is taking place from June 17th to 22nd, 2024. It is organized by administrators from Ísafjörður with the support of various sponsors.
Director: Greipur Gíslason
Project Managers: Bjarney Ingibjörg Gunnlaugssóttir Pétur Ernir Svavarsson (on leave)
Artistic Advisor: Sæunn Þorsteinsdóttir
Designers: Anton Jónas Illugason Símon Viðarsson
Content Writers: Svanhildur Óskarsdóttir
Arts Administrative Intern: Grace M. Alexander
TICKET SALES
Ticket sales for the festival take place at the concert venue and online. It is possible to purchase single tickets, or festival passes that are valid for all concerts.
General Ticket Price: 3,200 ISK
Youth and Students: 2,200 ISK
Festival Pass: 10,000 ISK
Lunchtime Concerts: 1,000 ISK