Happening Today: Reykjavík Midsummer Music Festival

Curated by acclaimed pianist Víkingur Ólafsson, the Midsummer Music Festival is billed as a “Playground of Ideas”—and with over ten highly varied acts, there’ll be no shortage of ideas here. Perhaps the most innovative features of the festival are its three “Grey Area” events—late-night improvisations by assorted artists, inspired by Frederic Chopin’s “grey hours.” As well as these poetically moody jam sessions, there’ll be impressionist gypsy sonatas with Hallelujah Junction, musical interpretations of Dante’s “Inferno,” and animal songs. Come and check out this unique festival that’s sure to cement Iceland’s place on the classical music map.

This is a multi-venue event, held mainly at Harpa but with some events at Mengi and Hallgrímskirkja. For more information, check out the festival’s site here. Individual event ticket prices vary, but you can grab a weekend pass for 10.000 ISK. See the full lineup here.