The International Rostrum of Composers is considered the most important platform for the exposure of new music on the radio. In 2025, Rostrum takes place from May 13 to 16 in Ljubljana in Slovenia, where representatives from more than 30 radio stations meet for three days of listening sessions.
Bára Gísladóttir’s contribution is the piece Laufgar composed for viola and percussion. About Gísladóttir, Max Fage-Pedersen, radio host and a member of the Danish jury says: "Her music often feels captivating, drawing you into a universe that is often wintry and dark. But it’s also a universe that contains something organic – a flow of something deeper, something natural that speaks to all of us."
The title of the piece, the Icelandic word laufgar, means ’leaf’ (verb) and in short Bára Gísladóttir explains that the piece is built on the idea of plants taking on new leaves in the silence of spring.
The International Rostrum of Composers has been held since 1955. In the International Rostrum of Composers – known as the Grand Prix – around 30 countries compete with new music composed within the last five years. The competition is organized by the International Music Council, while the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) – of which DR is also a member – is a partner and ensures that Europe's radio stations can broadcast the works across borders.
Read the press release from DR (Danish Broadcasting Corporation).
Listen to Laufgar performed by Esbjerg Ensemble (starts at 20:12)