Black Obsidian

Hilmar Thordarson (IS)
Halldis Rønning (NO)
Thorbjorg Jonsdottir (IS)

Black Obsidian is a unique performance that invites the audience to take an immersive journey into an imaginary natural landscape. Crossing boundaries and intertwining music, audio, dance, performance, theatre, visual art and light, the artists create a vibrant palette that is a true ode to nature. Contrasting atmospheres, energies and movements performed by singers and musicians are enhanced by the use of an electronic conductor‘s glove that can create and manipulate sound in real time. Music and movements emerge from performers through improvisation and intuition. Moving beyond a traditional understanding of opera, the artists use abstracted natural elements to create a flow from the deep dark unknown into unexpected places of vulnerability and beauty.

Guests are invited to move around during the performance and allow their own imagination to influence their experience of the performance. Created by a visionary and critically lauded team of artists, Hrafntinna/Sort Glimmer offers festival guests an experience unlike any other.

Artists:

Halldis Rønning - Composer & conductor
Hilmar Thordarson - Composer & electronics
Thorbjörg Jónsdottir - Video design

In creative collaboration with:

Karen Eide Bøen - Choreography
Niels Thibaud Girerd - Staging
Anton Kroyer - Lights
Aron Þór Arnarsson - Sounds
Helga Lúðvíksdóttir - Costumes
Ísak Freyr Helgason - Visual designer

Oddur A. Jónsson - baritone
Ragnheiður Ingunn Jóhannsdóttir - soprano

CAPUT Ensemble:

Guðni Franzson - clarinets
Þuríður Jónsdóttir - flutes
Sigurður Halldórsson - cello
Hrafnkell Örn Guðjónsson (Keli) - percussion

IMNO ensemble:

Jostein Stalheim - accordion
Guro Skumsnes Moe - doublebass & voice
Else Olsen Storesund - piano

Tabula Rasa Vocal Ensemble:
Sigrun Jørdre - soprano
Zsuzsa Zseni - mezzosoprano
Tord Kalvenes - tenor
Arild Rohde - tenor

Technicians:

William Hjort-Johansen- Electronic sound assistant 
Egill Kristbjörnsson - Video assistant
Óli Starri - Video assistant
Friðfinnur Sigurðsson - sound assistant

Hair and make-up:
Lilja Dís Smáradóttir
Lísa María Markúsdóttir
Kolbrún Vignisdóttir
Maren Anna
Hera Hlín

Stage:
Ólafur Haukur Matthíasson, Snorri Arnarson, Hugi Guðmundsson

Production:
Gunnbjørg Johannessen - Producer
Kristinn Brynjar Pálsson - Event manager Harpa
Dýri Jónsson - Producer

Supported by: