Atlantica - 01.04.2006, Page 86

84 AT L A N T I CA
Listen up
You just might be moved to dance. Music will be the cen-
tral theme of this year’s renowned Reykjavík Arts Festival
(May 12 through June 2), featuring over 500 artists and
nearly 50 events during this three-week celebration of the
arts. In addition to more than 300 Icelandic artists, the fes-
tival will also welcome artists from the far-flung corners of
Bulgaria, Brazil, and South Africa, as well as Poland, Italy,
France, Germany, the UK, and Scandinavia. This year’s
highly acclaimed poets, photographers, dance troupes, and
international speakers are also guaranteed to draw sold-
out crowds.
THE 2006 ARTS FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS WILL INCLUDE:
» Friday, 12 May, 8pm: Celebrated contemporary Brazilian
dance company Grupo Corpo is sure to impress as it treads
lightly upon the Reykjavík City Theater’s stage. Guided by
the idea that identity is inextricably linked with national
culture, their performances are infused with flavors from
Havana to Rio.
» Sunday, 14 May, 5pm: Master puppeteer Bernd Ogrodnik’s
show Metamorphosis - Poetry in Motion will be a must-see
for the entire family in Kassinn, a new space at the National
Theater. His hand-carved wooden marionettes and rod pup-
pets will win over your heart.
» Saturday, 20 May, 9pm: One of the biggest events of the
festival will be South African music and humanitarian leg-
end Miriam Makeba’s grand finale performance, held at the
Laugardalshöll concert hall. Makeba, who is often known
as “Mama Africa,” has collaborated with Henry Belafonte,
and is a previous recipient of the Dag Hammerskjöld Peace
Prize.
» Sunday, 21 May, 8pm: The renowned 35-member Reykjavík
Chamber Orchestra will capture attention as it performs
three Mozart concertos in the landmark Langholtskirkja
Church. Three of Iceland’s top soloists, including a violinist,
pianist, and clarinetist, will accompany the orchestra.
» Sunday, 28 May, 9pm: Icelandic musical phenom Mugison,
known for his brooding soundtrack to Baltasar Kormákur’s
recent movie A Little Trip to Heaven, will team up with some
of Iceland’s most innovative musicians, hit the stage, and
move the crowds at Austurbær.
For more information, see www.artfest.is or call +354-561-2444.
» Grupo Corpo
» Mugison
» Miriam Makeba
» Reykjavík Chamber
Orchestra
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