Matthildur Traustadottir - 2026 Award Winner 

Matthildur Traustadóttir, praised by violinist Sigrún Eðvaldsdóttir as having "rare maturity and passionate flair in her lively playing", began playing violin at seven, falling in love with its rich sound and virtuosic potential. She is Icelandic, born in Rimini, Italy, and spent her formative years in Spain, where she commenced her musical studies. In 2020, Matthildur relocated to Iceland, studying with Guðný Guðmundsdóttir. Matthildur has won prizes in multiple competitions. Recently, she won the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition, soloing with the orchestra in April. She received her first orchestra job this year, and The Louis and Annette Kaufman Music
Achievement Award in Violin at Oberlin’s Honors and Awards Reception. Festivals include Meadowmount School of Music, Heifetz Institute of Music as a String Scholar, Music Academy of the West (chosen to study with the Takács String Quartet) and Kneisel Hall.

She currently studies at Oberlin College and Conservatory with Professor Sibbi Bernharðsson.

Concert Details:

Matthildur will perform Alexander Glazunov Violin Concerto in A minor, Op 82 with the St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra on Oct. 16, 2026.