Composer and multi-instrumentalist Ólafur Arnalds has played in metal bands and toured in a dance-music duo, but the music he releases under his own name is subtle, gentle, and quietly aching with what Rolling Stone has called a “signature gorgeous melancholy.” His most recent album, 2020’s Some Kind of Peace, was lauded for its “breathtaking vulnerability” by the Sydney Morning Herald. Whether he’s collaborating with a string quartet, hooking up with likeminded composer Nils Frahm, or scoring prestige dramas like the BBC’s Broadchurch, the emotional clarity of Arnalds’ sonic language is always instantly recognizable.

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Ólafur Arnalds in Concert

Walt Disney Concert Hall

Experience the ethereal beauty of the Northern Lights through the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra's special concert event on Saturday, 5th April 2025, at 8:00pm. Held at the prestigious Symphony Hall in Birmingham, this unique musical journey promises to transcend the conventional boundaries of classical music, blending it with the rich and diverse sounds of modern Icelandic music.

Curated by the innovative conductor and composer Robert Ames, the evening will feature an exceptional programme that includes works by members of the iconic band Sigur Rós and the acclaimed composer Hildur Guðnadóttir, known for her work on the soundtracks of The Joker and Tár. This concert is a celebration of Iceland's vibrant music scene, where classical musicians frequently collaborate across genres, from soundtracks to pop and heavy metal, creating a rich tapestry of sound.

The programme will showcase arrangements by Robert Ames of Jóhann Jóhannsson's "Kanguru" and Hildur Guðnadóttir's "Ascent", alongside Geoff Lawson's arrangement of Ólafur Arnalds' "Momentary", David Handler's arrangement of Jonsi & Alex Somers' "Boy 1904", and a piece by Kjartan Sveinsson, "Der Klang Der Offenbarung des Göttlichen".

Under the baton of Robert Ames and featuring the voices of Ex Cathedra, this concert is set to be an unforgettable exploration of epic landscapes and musical innovation. Tickets are priced between £26 and £62, with a per-ticket commission of £3.50 for tickets over £15. Attendees can also benefit from multi-buy discounts and reduced prices for students, 18-30s, under-18s, and benefit recipients.

Prepare for an evening of mesmerizing music that lasts approximately 2 hours, including a 20-minute interval. Don't miss this opportunity to witness the fusion of classical music with the avant-garde, celebrating the spirit of Icelandic music and its disregard for genre boundaries.

Ólafur Arnalds

Events

Upcoming events

Apr 5, 2025

Northern Lights · City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

Past events

Jun 14, 2022

Ólafur Arnalds in Concert · Los Angeles Philharmonic

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