Period

:

Baroque

 

Nordic Affect is a classical music ensemble that specializes in performing music from the Baroque and contemporary periods. The ensemble was founded in 2005 by four women who shared a passion for early music and a desire to explore new ways of interpreting it. Since then, Nordic Affect has become one of the most respected and innovative ensembles in the classical music world. The founding members of Nordic Affect were violinist Halla Steinunn Stefánsdóttir, cellist Hanna Loftsdóttir, harpsichordist Guðrún Óskarsdóttir, and flutist Berglind María Tómasdóttir. All four women were accomplished musicians in their own right, with extensive experience performing in orchestras and chamber ensembles. They came together with the goal of creating a new kind of ensemble that would combine the best of early music performance practice with a fresh, contemporary approach. From the beginning, Nordic Affect was committed to exploring the rich musical traditions of the Nordic countries. The ensemble's name reflects this focus, as well as its desire to create music that is emotionally affecting and intellectually stimulating. Over the years, Nordic Affect has collaborated with many of the leading composers and performers in the Nordic region, and has become known for its innovative programming and adventurous spirit. One of the highlights of Nordic Affect's early career was its performance at the Reykjavik Arts Festival in 2006. The ensemble's program, which included works by J.S. Bach, Georg Philipp Telemann, and Johann Heinrich Schmelzer, was praised for its virtuosity and sensitivity. The following year, Nordic Affect made its international debut at the Festival Oude Muziek in Utrecht, the Netherlands. The ensemble's performance of music by the Icelandic composer Jón Leifs was particularly well-received, and helped to establish Nordic Affect as a rising star in the early music world. In the years that followed, Nordic Affect continued to build its reputation through a series of critically acclaimed recordings and performances. The ensemble's 2013 album "Clockworking" was particularly well-received, and was named one of the top classical albums of the year by NPR Music. The album features works by contemporary composers such as Anna Thorvaldsdottir and Hildur Guðnadóttir, as well as Baroque pieces by J.S. Bach and Georg Friedrich Händel. The album showcases Nordic Affect's unique blend of old and new, and its ability to create music that is both timeless and of the moment. In addition to its recordings, Nordic Affect has also been recognized for its live performances. The ensemble has won numerous awards and accolades, including the Icelandic Music Award for Best Classical Album in 2014. Nordic Affect has also been invited to perform at some of the world's most prestigious music festivals, including the Edinburgh International Festival, the Bergen International Festival, and the Festival d'Aix-en-Provence. One of the most memorable performances in Nordic Affect's history took place in 2017, when the ensemble premiered a new work by the Icelandic composer María Huld Markan Sigfúsdóttir. The piece, titled "AEQUILIBRIA," was commissioned by Nordic Affect and was inspired by the natural landscapes of Iceland. The performance, which took place at the Dark Music Days festival in Reykjavik, was hailed as a triumph of contemporary music and a testament to Nordic Affect's commitment to pushing the boundaries of classical music.

More....