Haukur Tomasson

While Björk is justly famed as Iceland's pop diva, composer Haukur Tomasson confirms that island's cultural depth with the brilliantly expressive post-Stravinsky vigour of "Arhringur (Annual Ring)" and the second section of his ambitious "Concerto for Violin and Chamber Orchestra." The earliest composition, "Spiral," was composed in 1992 - a vivid example of inventive lyricism, with its rich use of flute, harpsichord, oboe and vibes. "Stemma" is an evocative tone poem that suggests Copland and confirms why Tomasson is that rarity - an inventive composer with a pop diva's touch.