Kjartan Sveinsson

Kjartan "Kjarri" Sveinsson (born January 2, 1978) is a keyboardist of the Icelandic post-rock band Sigur Rós. He joined the band in 1998. Being something of a multi-instrumentalist, he has also played such instruments as the flute, tin whistle, oboe and even the banjo, as well as many of the unorthodox instruments that contribute to Sigur Rós' distinctive sound. He also plays the guitar.

Kjartan has performed under the pseudonym "The Lonesome Traveller" with Sigur Rós band-mate Orri Páll Dýrason and Amiina violinist María Huld Markan Sigfúsdóttir (whom Kjartan married in 2001). "The Lonesome Traveller" covered Sigur Rós songs acoustically in an alt-country style.

Kjartan also composed the score for the 2005 Academy Award nominated short film Síðasti bærinn (The Last Farm) and for award winning director Ramin Bahrani's 2009 short film Plastic Bag which features the narration of legendary filmmaker Werner Herzog. Kjartan also contributes to Sigur Rós' orchestral and string arrangements, along with the group Amiina. He is also featured heavily on The Album Leaf's album, In a Safe Place, playing a wide variety of instruments.

Kjartan will compose the score for the film Ondine directed by Neil Jordan.

Kjartan is a member of the advisory board for Kraumur Music Fund which aims to "strengthen Icelandic musical life, primarily by supporting young musicians in performing and presenting their works."

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