About

Fermented Friendship: Magnús Jóhann & Óskar Guðjónsson (IS)
Wednesday August 27 @ 21:00
Harpa, Norðurljós
Evening Pass*

If there’s one thing pianist Magnús Jóhann and saxophonist Óskar Guðjónsson have in common it’s an all consuming curiosity towards the world. Whether it’s espresso machines, saxophone mouthpieces or music of all kinds the pair can talk and listen for hours on end about the things that interest them. Born and raised in Reykjavík roughly twenty years apart Óskar and Magnús found common ground in the seemingly quintessentially Icelandic sound of their music. Óskar, a founding member of the band ADHD, was approached by Magnús in the fall of 2022 with the idea of making a duo record. They rehearsed weekly until their recording dates in May 2023 and both wrote new music specifically for the occasion.

Fermented Friendship was recorded in two delicate sessions in Norðurljós, the concert hall sublimely recorded by Víkingur Ólafsson for his recent Deutsche Grammophon outputs. The mood was set by lamps and plants the duo brought to the session and recorded in near darkness. The vast and airy accoustics enveloping the pair playing in a sombre and soft tone. The moody tone of the recording sessions provided the perfect backdrop for the poignant chord progressions and haunting melodic themes of the pair. The album was recorded by Bergur Þórisson, musical director and engineer for Björk and the other half of neo classical duo Hugar.

An Evening Pass is available for every night of the festival at Harpa, granting access to all concerts that evening. All performances take place in Norðurljós Hall (2nd floor). Please note: There are no single-ticket sales for individual evening concerts at Harpa.*