Awarded: January 2025
Inaugural Global Flute Excellence Awards

Award Citation

The Performer of the Year 2024 award of the Global Flute Excellence Awards is presented to Stéfán Ragnar Höskuldsson in recognition of his extraordinary artistry, technical brilliance, and profound musical expression, as well as his exceptional contribution to the expansion of the contemporary flute repertoire.

Höskuldsson’s artistry is distinguished by intellectual clarity, tonal refinement, and a commanding presence that unites virtuosity with musical depth. His performances reflect a rare balance of precision and expressive freedom, consistently setting the highest standards of flute performance on the world’s leading stages.

A defining achievement recognized by this award is his role in the premiere of Lowell Liebermann’s Flute Concerto, a major contribution to the modern flute repertoire. Through this collaboration, Höskuldsson affirmed his commitment to living composers and to shaping the evolving artistic voice of the instrument.

International Career and Artistic Leadership

In 2025, Stéfán Ragnar Höskuldsson joined the Berlin Philharmonic as Principal Flute, marking a historic milestone in an already distinguished career. This appointment followed a remarkable decade as Principal Flute of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, where he served in the same role since 2015.

As an internationally acclaimed soloist and chamber musician, Höskuldsson has performed across Europe, the Americas, and Asia, appearing in major concert halls and festivals, and collaborating with leading conductors and ensembles. His work is documented through broadcasts, recordings, and tours that continue to reach global audiences.

Artistry, Influence, and Recognition

Höskuldsson’s musicianship exemplifies the pinnacle of flute performance — combining technical mastery with interpretive insight and emotional resonance. His influence extends beyond performance through his dedication to artistic excellence, repertoire development, and the highest professional standards.

The Global Flute Excellence Awards honor Stéfán Ragnar Höskuldsson as Performer of the Year 2024, recognizing an artist whose work embodies authority, innovation, and enduring artistic impact within the global flute community.

This recognition is part of the Global Flute Excellence Awards 2024.