17 June20.00
About this concert: Reykjavík Midsummer Music is about juxtaposing striking contrasts and discovering unexpected similarities. Thatʼs the reason for the meeting of Ravel and Brahms in the opening concert, a Frenchman and a German, different geniuses who both saw shadows in the light and lights in the shadow.
18 June 12.15
About this concert: From playful tone patterns to autumnal whispers, Jón Nordalʼs and Þorkell Sigurbjörnssonʼs chamber works breathe on the sleeping strings in those who listen, waking their harmonies, as in Snorri Hjartarsonʼs poem, from which the title stems.
18 June 20.00
About this concert: Olivier Messiaenʼs metaphysical and quasi-apocalyptic Quartet for the End of Time is simply one of the pinnacles of 20th century music. Itʼs so great that it is difficult to program something alongside it. But we have. Thomas Adès’ exquisite Piano Quintet will receive its Icelandic premiere and Þórður Magnússonʼs beautiful Quartet matches Messiaen’s unusual instrumentation.
19 June 21.00
About this concert: György Ligetiʼs dangerous Horn Trio, Daníel Bjarnasonʼs diabolical Bow to String and the incomparable Megas, banned on Icelandic National Radio for years, hold promise for a memorable grand finale of Reykjavík Midsummer Music 2012. Enjoy!
The Venue. Harpa is Reykjavíkʼs new piece of bling. Itʼs gorgeous. Itʼs also very big, you can't miss it on Reykjavíkʼs harbour. It looks mesmerizing in the midnight sun but it sounds even better on the inside. And just wait until you see the volcanic interior of the biggest hall, Eldborg. At first many thought it was too big for Icelandʼs relatively tiny capital. But then a million people came to visit in the first year. Thatʼs more than three times the entire population of the island.
"A clarity of acoustic that has reportedly moved some performers to tears of joy." — The Guardian
Why chamber music?
For music to be fun, you need a bit of struggle. Chamber music is all about struggle.
The musicians need to be gutsy but also show generosity to their fellow players, they need to be stubborn — but in a flexible manner, they need the soloistʼs courage — but also the accompanistʼs humility. They need to rehearse to the point of insanity — only to forget everything and submit to the power of the unexpected in concert. Thatʼs when the best ideas are born.
Thatʼs why chamber music is fun.
For a long time, I've had this dream to start a little festival where great musicians play at the edge of their seats in the brightest nights of the year in Iceland. Harpa is the perfect place to create something dynamic and beautiful. And now it is time to make the dream come true. Join us for Reykjavík Midsummer Music 2012!
—Víkingur Heiðar Ólafsson
