JÓhannesson, Einar
JÓhannesson, Einar
JÓhannesson, Einar, Icelandic clarinetist; b. Reykjavik, Aug. 16, 1950. He entered the Children’s Music School in Reykjavik when he was 6, and while still attending elementary school, he took up the clarinet. After training at the Reykjavik Coll. of Music (1963-69), where he studied with Gunnar Egilsson, he went to London to pursue training at the Royal Coll. of Music (1969-74) under Bernard Walton and John McCaw. In 1979 he was awarded the Sonning Prize for young Nordic soloists, which enabled him to complete his study with Walter Boeykens in Nice. Returning to Reykjavik, he became first clarinetist in the Iceland Sym. Orch. He also pursued a career as a soloist, recitalist, and chamber music player, touring throughout Europe. He has won particular distinction for his performances of contemporary scores.
—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire