Mozart and Haydn

The first programme of 2021 at the Iceland Symphony Orchestra is framed by bright, cheerful works by two masters of Viennese classicism. Mozart's Così fan tutte was one of his last operas, and its sprightly overture sets the stage for an adventurous test of the fidelity of a pair of lovers. Towards the end of his career, Joseph Haydn composed 12 symphonies for his highly successful concert series in London. He was a local celebrity; the Prince of Wales commissioned a portrait of the composer that is still part of the royal collection at Buckingham Palace. The final work of the set, the so-called London Symphony, is a joyful and exciting work.

George Walker was the first black composer to receive the Pulitzer Prize in Music, and the passionate Lyric for strings is his best-known work.

Nature morte is a recent work by Haukur Tómasson, premiered at the Dark Music Days festival in January 2020. At that time, the English critic Simon Cummings declared it “a fabulous piece by one of Iceland's most playful composers.” Soloists are harpist Katie Buckley, and percussionist Frank Aarnink, who performs on the cimbalom in Tómasson's new work.

Conductor is Bjarni Frímann Bjarnason, who is currently Conductor-in-Residence at the Iceland Symphony.

Listen to the concert live on Channel 1 (Rás 1) of the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service (RÚV).

Ticket sales and concertgoer's guide
In accordance to local health regulations and to ensure the safety of our patrons, the Eldborg concert hall in Harpa has been divided into several areas, each with a maximum capacity of 100 guests. To ensure space between guests, one empty seat will be reserved between each ticket order. Guests are also required to wear a mask at all times. Read our concertgoer's guide here.