Icelandic jazz Hammond organist Sara Magnúsdóttir brings an exciting new voice to the Hammond Organ, blending nordic lyricism with deep grooves and a soulful touch - all tied together by her background in the jazz tradition.

Growing up in a small Icelandic village with a fascination for jazz lead her to her studies in the US. She completed a BM in performance as well as a MM in Jazz Composition and Arranging at William Paterson University. During her college years she discovered a deep pull towards the Hammond organ, its power and soulful sound.

Since her early 20s, Sara has been a vibrant presence in both in Reykjavík and NYC’s jazz scene, and featured in a variety of bands and projects, such as Reykjavik Big Band and with Sigurður Flosason.

As for her big band career, Sara has had her compositions performed by professional big bands in both Iceland and the U.S and has received commissions and grants for her work. She has notably arranged a big band piece for jazz legend Joe Lovano in 2024 as a part of her Master’s program at WPU. She is working on the release of her first big band album.

Sara released her debut album A Place to Bloom, in August 2025 with a premiere at Reykjavik Jazz Festival accompanied by some of Iceland’s most accomplished jazz musicians. The album is a reflection on wanderlust, identity and needing to find home in many places. The album has been well received, received radio play across Europe and the USA and been reviewed in respected publications such as Jazzthetik in Germany.

Sara was awarded with the Rising Star award across music genres at the Icelandic Music Awards in 2026.