Iceland Academy of the Arts remembers Hjálmar Helgi Ragnarsson

The Iceland Academy of the Arts remembers Hjálmar Helgi Ragnarsson, former rector, composer, teacher and leader, who passed away on the night of March 13, 2026. Hjálmar was among the nation's most beloved and influential composers and had a profound influence on Icelandic musical and cultural life for decades. 

Growing up and educational path 

Hjálmar was born in Ísafjörður on September 23, 1952, and grew up in a musical environment. He began piano studies at the age of six with his father and later moved to Reykjavík, where he completed his studies at the Reykjavík School of Music and his matriculation examination from MR. After graduation, he went to the United States, received a BA from Brandeis University in 1974, and conducted research in electronic and computer music at Utrecht University from 1976 to 1977. In 1980, he completed an MFA in composition and musicology 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 film. His works have shaped the Icelandic music scene, including Evening poems about summer, Messu, and various orchestral works which are considered key works of contemporary Icelandic music. As a teacher, Hjálmar worked widely, including at the Ísafjörður School of Music, the Reykjavík School of Music, and the Reykjavík School of Music. He always conveyed his knowledge with warmth, professionalism, and an immeasurable passion for music. 

First Rector of the Iceland Academy of the Arts 

When the Iceland Academy of the Arts was founded 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 operations was laid and an ambitious path for art studies at the university level was created. Hjálmar believed in the importance of art as a pillar of society and worked hard 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 – an award that 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 held many key roles during his career, including as chairman of the Icelandic Composers' Association 1988-1992, president of the Icelandic Artists' Association 1991-1998, served on the board of STEF, on the board of the Icelandic Music Centre 1983-1988, on the board of the Artists' Salaries 2001-2003 and the SPRON Cultural Fund 1996-2006. Through his work there, he contributed to improved working conditions for artists and a clearer position of art in society. 

Numerous awards earned him respect and esteem, including the Knight's Cross of the Icelandic Order of the Falcon, the Gríma Award for Theatre Music, and the STEF Honorary Award. 

Legacy and memory 

The Academy of the Arts hosted a celebration on the occasion of Hjálmar's seventieth birthday in 2022, where Þorbjörg Daphne Hall, Associate Professor of Musicology, spoke with him about his work and artistic career. Herdís Anna Jónasdóttir and Áshildur Haraldsdóttir played excerpts from Nocturne 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 shared their experiences with the works. At the Academy of the Arts, Hjálmar's memory will be preserved in the professional, ambitious and creative culture that he laid the foundation for in the early years of the school. His leadership and perspective on the importance of art in society have a lasting impact on Icelandic educational and cultural life.

The Academy of the Arts expresses its condolences to Hjálmar's family on behalf of current and former staff and students.