Icelandic pianist Víkingur Ólafsson is internationally lauded as ‘a pianist of rare technical brilliance and interpretive depth’ (The New York Times). He epitomises both virtuoso and storyteller with a magnetism that enraptures audiences across the world.
Receiving a five-star review for his recent concert at Royal Festival Hall London playing the Goldberg Variations, Ólafsson ‘was a hypnotic presence at the keyboard, a rangy giant whose head bent so low at times his nose nearly brushed the keys. His poetic body language wasn’t just engaging to watch, it carved up time, placing each variation within a dramatic framework’ (The Guardian UK).
Under Ólafsson’s distinctive musicality and interpretations, the piano becomes a portal, where each keystroke weaves intricate musical narratives that meld classical tradition with contemporary innovation and exploration. Whether he is playing Bach, Debussy, or Philip Glass, Ólafsson enters an insightful state of immersion, connecting deeply with every note, emotion, and nuance in a must-see visceral concert experience.
From the ethereal landscapes of Iceland to the grandeur of Carnegie Hall, Ólafsson’s intrepid artistry transcends borders and genres. He takes the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall stage as part of his highly anticipated world tour, marking the release of his latest recording, Bach’s Goldberg Variations. The Goldberg Variations hold a profound place in classical music history, revered for its unparalleled complexity and elegance. Composed in the early 18th century, this masterpiece weaves a tapestry of intricate variations around a simple aria, showcasing Bach’s incomparable craftsmanship. The technical brilliance and emotional depth of the work affirm its timelessness, and under the hands of Víkingur Ólafsson, is certain to transport both seasoned classical connoisseurs and newcomers alike.
Prepare to experience ‘a hypnotic reading that added up to considerably more than the sum of the work’s 32 parts’ (The Guardian UK).
This is a Dynamic Double Set experience: a musical matching of artists designed to enhance your concert experience.
