The Iceland Academy of the Arts remembers Hjálmar Helga Ragnarsson
The Iceland Academy of the Arts commemorates Hjálmar Helga Ragnarsson, former rector, composer, teacher and leader, who died on the night of March 13, 2026. Hjálmar was among the nation's most beloved and influential composers and had a profound impact on Icelandic music and cultural life for decades.
Growing up years and educational path
Hjálmar was born in Ísafjörður on September 23, 1952 and grew up there in a music-rich environment. He started piano lessons at the age of six with his father and later went to Reykjavík, where he completed his studies at the Reykjavík Academy of Music at the same time as matriculating from MR. After graduation, he went to the United States, received his BA from Brandeis University in 1974, and did research in electronic and computer music at Utrecht University 1976 -1977. in 1980, he earned his MFA in composition and music theory from Cornell University.
Composer and scholar
During his successful musical career, Hjálmar created diverse and influential compositions: choral works, electronic music, chamber works, orchestral works, operas and music for theater and films. His works have shaped the Icelandic music scene, but among them can be mentioned Evening verses about summer issues, Mass, and various orchestral works which are considered key works of Icelandic contemporary music. As a teacher, Hjálmar worked in many places, including at the Music School in Ísafjörður, the Music School in Reykjavík and the Reykjavík Music School. He always shared a warm, professional and immeasurable passion for music.
First rector of the Iceland Academy of the Arts
At the founding of the Iceland Academy of the Arts in 1998, Hjálmar was appointed the school's first rector. He held that position for fifteen years, until the end of 2013. Under his leadership, the foundation for the school's activities was laid and an ambitious channel was created for art studies at university level. Hjálmar believed in the importance of art as a pillar of society and made an effort to strengthen the school's connection to Icelandic cultures and international areas of cooperation. In 2016, he was made the first honorary doctorate of the Iceland Academy of the Arts - recognition, which reflects his profound and lasting contribution to the school.
Leadership role in the nation's artistic life
Hjálmar was not only a composer and scholar, but also an influential advocate for artists and played many key roles during his working life, including as chairman of the Icelandic Composers' Association 1988-1992, president of the Association of Icelandic Artists 1991-1998, sat on the board of STEFs, on the board of the Icelandic Composition Center 1983-1988, on the board of artists' salaries 2001-2003 and the SPRON Cultural Fund 1996-2006. Through his work there, he promoted improved working conditions for artists and a clearer position of art in society.
Numerous awards earned him respect and prestige, including the Knight's Cross of the Icelandic Order of the Falcon, the Grímu Prize for theater music and STEF's honorable mention.
Legacy and memory
The University of the Arts blew a festival on the occasion of Hjálmar's seventieth birthday in 2022 where Þorbjörg Daphne Hall, associate professor of musicology, spoke to him about his work and artistic career. Herdís Anna Jónasdóttir and Áshildur Haraldsdóttir played excerpts from Noktúrn for multi-channel electronic sound, soprano voice and alto flute (1977/2022) and Sif Tulinius played excerpts from Partita for solo violin (2020) by Hjálmar and told about their experiences of the works at the University of the Arts, Hjálmar's memory will be preserved in the professional, ambitious and creative culture that he laid the foundation for in the school's early years. His leadership work and perspective on the importance of art in society have a lasting impact on Icelandic educational and cultural life.
The University of the Arts expresses condolences to Hjálmar's family on behalf of current and former staff and students.
