The Carnival of the Animals

Joy and humour are the guiding principles of this wonderful carnival concert for the whole family. The program begins with a a brief tour through some of Mozart's most mirthful works and ends with Saint-Saëns' Carnival of the Animals.

Jóhann Kristinsson, singer and presenter, takes on the role of the birdcatcher from The Magic Flute and recites Þórarinn Eldjárn's witty and delightful poems that accompany Saint Saëns' masterpiece, The Carnival of the Animals. The animals in the carnival have been beloved companions of music enthusiasts worldwide since the release of this brilliant piece. Each animal has its own voice, echoing from different instruments of the orchestra and their characteristics are vividly brought out in a whimsical manner. Rán Flygenring sits on the big stage, drawing the animals in the carnival, large and small, as the adventure unfolds. The animals thus come alive to the listeners, vividly portrayed on the large canvas of Eldborg Concert Hall, as if conjured by the magical soundscape. With the exception of the movement of The Swan, The Carnival of the Animals was not published until after the composer's death,, as Saint-Saëns felt that the levity of the piece might harm his reputation as a serious composer — the piece was simply too enjoyable.