Rímur – St John's Smith Square, London

About this event

Rímur is a concert programme built around Nordic musical heritage, combining medieval chant, sacred hymns, folk traditions, Icelandic rímur and contemporary improvisation. The programme explores what Norse travellers may have heard while journeying across unfamiliar lands. It connects Rivedal in Norway and Reykjavik through the historical image of the Viking Arnarson and two statues facing across the sea. The musical design moves between inherited repertory and improvisatory passages, including Icelandic tvísöngur, medieval offices and hymns, traditional Norwegian tunes and lullabies, Swedish material, and trumpet interludes by Arve Henriksen. Trio Mediæval supplies the ensemble component, while Arve Henriksen contributes trumpet.