Epic. Spine tingling. Here’s Johnny!

Who’s playing

What is it about Iceland? A tiny country that’s managed to produce artists like Björk, Sigur Rós, Ólafur Arnalds and incredible Eurovision act, Daði Freyr. Now add to that list pianist Víkingur Ólafsson who is teaming up with Royal Northern Sinfonia, led by Principal Conductor Dinis Sousa.

What they’re playing

We’ve got Kaija Saariaho’s atmospheric Ciel d’hiver (Winter sky), Bartók’s spine tingling Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta and ending with Beethoven’s colossal Emperor concerto.

Please note, this concert was previously titled Víkingur Ólafssonplays Brahms. All tickets with the original concert title are still valid.

What you’ll hear

Kaija Saariaho Ciel d’hiver (9’)
Béla Bartók Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta (27’)
Ludwig van Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 5 ‘Emperor’ (38’)

https://theglasshouseicm.org/whats-on/vikingur-olafsson-plays-beethoven

Kaija Saariaho Ciel d’hiver (9’)

Béla Bartók Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta (27’)

Ludwig van Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 5 ‘Emperor’ (38’)

Who’s playing

Dinis Sousa conductor
Víkingur Ólafsson piano
Royal Northern Sinfonia

What’s happening in the music?

The Emperor concerto was ahead of its time. Its bold, confident melodies and a solo piano part that’ll wow form part of what makes Beethoven’s Fifth Concerto outrageously popular. 

Take a listen

Here’s Johnny!

Check out how Bartók’s Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta helped to make Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining extra creepy.