How pleasant to have such a prestigous writers‘ hub during Dark Music Days 2023.

Entering Harpa, shining in the pouring rain, gives one a warm and happy feeling. Although Reykjavík’s concerthall is on every guide’s list, coming here does not take you into another tourist trap, but prepares you for the real magic of an intense music experience.

January is not an enjoyable month in Iceland. But amid the cold and windy days, a festival is held – a music festival.

Bára describes SILVA to be built on the idea of a downward growing forest, when I ask her after the concert. She is intrigued at the thought of life that usually reaches and stretches towards light and air, just the other way around.

There’s something in the air. The music floats around, one can never quite place a finger on it but everyone can feel it from deep within.

Music that has no boundaries, it simply is what we want, when we want it.

Harpa is hosting many of the Dark Music Days concerts. One program is called „Flekarnir“, tectonic plates in English, and includes pieces from various Icelandic composers.

Capriccio is a beautiful work done by Áskel Másson, it’s magical the entire time and makes you feel more alive.

Meeting composer Úlfur Hansson, and getting to listen to his emotinful piece called Stoicheia was quite an experience.