The Þakkarorða award was presented yesterday, at Iceland Music Day, during a concert in honour of musician Magnús Eiríksson. The concert took place in front of a full Eldborg Hall at Harpa. Tickets had been made available to the public and they got snatched up in minutes. The concert was also filmed and will be aired on RÚV on December 26th. A unique atmosphere was created during the event, where guests rose from their seats to cheer Magnús and Icelandic music.

Magnús personally thanked all the wonderful musicians who have supported him throughout his career, or as he put it: "got me into the studio," referring to the many friends who honoured him by performing his songs last night. Among those performing was KK, with whom he has played for 28 years. Other performers included Ragga Gísla, Pálmi Gunnarsson, Ellen Kristjánsdóttir and her daughters Elísabet, Sigríður, and Elín Eyþórsdóttir, as well as Mugison, Bríet, Valdimar, Salka Sól, and Jón Jónsson. Among the musicians were Magnús’s sons, Stefán Magnússon (guitarist) and Stefán Stefánsson (drummer) and the evening's musical director was Eyþór Gunnarsson.

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A Part of the National Psyche.

Magnús Eiríksson's career spans several decades and countless compositions and recordings. His work is characterised by sincerity, as well as by melodies that are both memorable and singable. His lyrics consistently resonate with listeners, seamlessly blending with the music to create perfect harmony. Magnús’s songs have become an inseparable part of Iceland's national identity and cultural heritage. His career began during the early days of the blues revival in Iceland and continues through his involvement in influential bands such as Blús kompaníið, Pónik, Skuggasveinar, Lísa í Undralandi, Brunaliðið, and Mannakorn, among many other projects.

"Maggi Eiríks, as the nation knows him, is not only a diligent and skilled musician but his versatility has given the Icelandic people many treasures and filled countless artists with inspiration. To the songwriter, guitarist, and singer Maggi Eiríks, we offer our thanks, and I also want to thank all the extraordinary musicians who performed Magnús's songs last night. I am once again filled with reverence for the treasure that is our artistic community. Thank you, Maggi, and thank you, Icelandic music!" says Lilja Dögg Alfreðsdóttir, Minister of Culture and Business Affairs.

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Annual Event

The Music Council was established this autumn under new music legislation. Among its first task was to create a special honorary award to recognise the creativity and lifetime achievements of an Icelandic musician or group, and to thank them for their contribution to Icelandic music.

"It should come as no surprise that the name of Magnús Eiríksson epeatedly came up during the early stages of the preparations. When considering his songwriting, lyrics, live performances, and involvement in the recording process, the Music Council unanimously agreed that Magnús Eiríksson should be the first recipient of the new honorary award," says Jakob Frímann Magnússon, Chairman of the Music Council.

The Music Council decided that the award would be named Þakkarorða íslenskrar tónlistar (Icelandic Music Recognition Award) and presented annually on the Iceland Music Day,1 December. The award is a collaborative project between the Music Council, the Ministry of Culture and Business, Harpa, and RÚV.

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