Pop­u­lar Songs - Sei­gla 2026

Elja Chamber Ensemble

What are popular songs, and how do they come into being?

The chamber ensemble Elja will attempt to answer these questions in this concert, guiding listeners through the history of popular music through arrangements of well-known songs viewed from unusual perspectives. The programme includes, among other things, Arnold Schoenberg’s arrangements of Neapolitan songs and Luciano Berio’s arrangements of songs by the Beatles, along with a variety of other unexpected musical discoveries.

Programme:
Introduced by the ensemble at the concert.

Performers:
Elja, chamber ensemble
Conductor: Hjörtur Páll Eggertsson

Elja Ensemble consists of some of Iceland’s most talented young musicians, most of whom are already establishing themselves among the country’s leading performers, conductors, and artists. Their performances are known for being exciting and energetic, and seeking to engage with the audience on a personal level. The ensemble is dedicated to varied and innovative programming and seeks to represent a broad range of musical styles and genres rather than strictly traditional classical styles.

Duration: approx. 75 mins., without intermission.

Discounted Tickets (students, Schumann Society members, low-income): 2.500kr in Harpa's box office.

Closing Party (Location TBC):
Seigla rounds off the weekend by inviting everyone to a closing celebration after the festival's final concert. All Seigla guests are warmly welcome to join the performers, organisers, supporters, partners, friends, and the wider Seigla community in celebrating the festival together. A bar serving a selection of drinks, along with light refreshments, will be available. It's certainly an occasion worth raising a glass to.


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More information, festival programme and artists bios available at www.seiglafestival.com and in the festival zine Seiglazine.

Harpa is the main sponsor of Seigla 2026. The music festival Seigla is supported by the Icelandic Music Fund, SUT and Ruth Hermanns Music Fund, Ýlir, FÍH Culture Fund, Iceland University of the Arts and Friends of Seigla.

Promoter

Seigla