Born in Reykjavík, Dec 3, 1998
- Gabríel Ólafs [pronounced gah-bree-EL OH-lahfs] displayed musical talent from an early age, beginning with his introduction to the piano at age 5. Ólafs was classically trained but felt restricted within one genre, thereby identifying as a crossover artist from early on in his career. He was particularly drawn towards the improvisation of jazz and other alternative genres.
- Ólafs released his debut album, Absent Minded, at just 20 years old.1
- In 2022, Ólafs co-founded the Reykjavík Orkestra, the country’s first dedicated orchestra for studio recordings. So far, the orchestra has recorded music for Netflix, Apple TV, and Deutsche Grammophon.2
- From the composer’s website:
- “Gabríel’s melodic musical storytelling and holistic creative vision set him apart as a true auteur of postmodern classical music. His work draws inspiration from Nordic folk traditions, poetry, and film.”
Learn More
Composer’s website
Sources
- Dusty Henry, “Pure Imagination: Meet Wunderkind Icelandic Pianist and Composer Gabríel Ólafs,” KEXP (2020), accessed October 27, 2025, https://www.kexp.org/read/2020/2/2/pure-imagination-meet-wunderkind-icelandic-pianist-and-composer-gabriel-olafs-live-video-interview/.
- Jonathan Eifert, “Soup, Soak, and Music: Icelandic Composer Gabríel Ólafs on His New Album, Solon Islandus, and Planning the Perfect Day in Reykjavík,” Classical Post (2022), accessed October 27, 2025, https://classicalpost.com/read/icelandic-composer-gabriel-olafs-solon-islandus-new-album-decca.