Ástmar Einar Ólafsson was born in Iceland and received his musical education at ´Tónskóli SDK, Reykjavik (an independent music school) studying piano with Sveinbjörg V. Speight and voice with John A. Speight. In 1979 Ástmar enrolled at the Royal Academy of Music, London where he studied piano with Philip Jenkins and voice with Henry Cummings. Ástmar continued his studies privately in London with Louis Kentner OBE (piano) and Kenneth Woollam OBE (voice) from 1983 - 1985. He became Head of Keyboard Studies at Bradfield College, Berkshire in 1989 and in 1995 Ástmar moved to Perth in Scotland to become Director of Music at Craigclowan Preparatory School. Alongside his teaching Ástmar has pursued a busy concert career, which has taken him all over Britain, Iceland and Germany both as a pianist and a singer. He has given several first performances of works by composers such as Graham Robb and John A. Speight.
Every singer worth their salt should have at least one of the great song cycles in their repertoire. To perform three such works in one concert shows great versatility, to perform them well nigh faultlessly shows an equally high level of proficiency. Baritone Ástmar Ólafsson´s performance...was excellent, with an enviable and easy adaptability, moving from Beethoven to a contemporary work via one of the 20th century´s greatest group of songs.