Kjartan Sveinsson + Gyda Valtýsdóttir + Bert Cools + Indrė Jurgelevičiūtė

B-Classic and CCHA/CultuurCentrum Hasselt gave guitarist and sound artist Bert Cools carte blanche for a new musical creation with Indrė Jurgelevičiūtė (Merope) and Kjartan Sveinsson (Sigur Rós).

Bert Cools, known for Merope, Höra and Book of Air, repeatedly creates dreamlike soundscapes between folk, jazz and electronic music. His subtle yet complex playing made him a sought-after musician for artists such as Sam Amidon, Trixie Whitley and Efterklang.

Kjartan Sveinsson was a co-founder of Sigur Rós, one of the most influential post-rock bands and a figurehead of Icelandic music export. He also worked closely with Ragnar Kjartansson, composed soundtracks and wrote an opera.

Lithuanian Indrė Jurgelevičiūtė wove traditional folk songs that Kanklės and her ethereal voice to quiet, raptured soundscapes. Together with Bert Cools, she forms the duo Merope.

Gyda Valtýsdóttir was once a member of múm, another Icelandic band that enjoyed great success at the end of the 1990s. Since then, the cellist has worked with the Kronos Quartet, Damien Rice, Jónsi, Ben Frost and The National (Aaron and Bryce Dessner).

In summer 2018, their paths crossed for the first time at the PEOPLE festival by Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) and Bryce Dessner (The National) in Berlin. Two years later, they reunited for a series of intimate concerts with Shahzad Ismaily.

What followed was a rare musical encounter — a soundscape in which Lithuanian folk music, Icelandic mysticism and minimalistic piano music merged. The premiere took place at Nordic night (s), where this unique synergy was brought to life for the first time.

Saturday, October 24 Dome Hall Admission: 19:00/Start: 20:00 * Seated event with free choice of seats * Tickets