Birgir Nielsen Þórsson is a musician, composer, and educator, honored as the 2024 Town Artist of Vestmannaeyjar. He has been a key figure in Iceland’s music scene, performing at major events, collaborating with renowned musicians, and contributing to music education and cultural heritage.

A passionate advocate for music as a unifying force, Birgir integrates environmental sounds into his compositions, reflecting the unique nature of Vestmannaeyjar. His third solo album, Eldur, set for release in 2025, showcases this vision—its first track, Whales of Iceland / Hvalalagið, blends whale sounds with his signature musical style.

Beyond performance, Birgir is deeply involved in music education and community initiatives. He serves as assistant principal and percussion teacher at the Vestmannaeyjar Music School, co-founded BEST (the Association of Vestmannaeyjar Singers and Composers) and the HLJÓMEY music festival, and has played on over 100 recordings. His music has also been featured in films, national festivals, and marketing campaigns promoting Vestmannaeyjar’s culture.

Committed to fostering young talent, celebrating local heritage, and raising environmental awareness through music, Birgir continues to shape Vestmannaeyjar’s musical landscape with creativity and passion.

Projects

Ocean, Whales & Music

Ocean, Whales and Music is an artistic exploration of the connection between whales, ocean soundscapes, and music. Using hydrophones, field recordings, and electronic composition, Biggi Nielsen transforms natural marine acoustics from Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland, into immersive sound experiences. The project raises awareness about oceanic ecosystems and the impact of human activity on marine life through sonic storytelling and live performances.

This approach has also led into sound installation and connects research projects that capture and interpret whale songs and underwater soundscape into musical experience. By collaborating with marine biologists and acoustic experts, Biggi Nielsen translates these sounds into harmonic compositions, making the hidden world of the ocean audible and emotionally resonant.

About the approach

My creative process is deeply rooted in listening—both to nature and to the communities connected to it. By using hydrophones and field recordings, marine scientists in Vestmannaeyjar capture the hidden soundscapes of the ocean, particularly focusing on whale songs and sounds and environmental acoustics from Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland. These sounds become the foundation for my compositions, allowing nature’s own music to shape the narrative.

Aligned with the Distributed Design Platform’s values, my work is open by sharing raw recordings and research insights, encouraging collaboration across disciplines—from marine biologists to sound artists. It is collaborative, integrating the knowledge of scientists, local communities, and musicians to expand our understanding of oceanic ecosystems. My approach is regenerative, aiming to inspire deeper respect for marine life and foster conversations about environmental impact through sound. Finally, it is ecosystemic, as it highlights the interconnectedness of sound, ecology, and human perception.

Through my music, I seek to bridge art and science, making the voices of the ocean heard in new and meaningful ways.