B-Classic - 22.10.2026 Kjartan Sveinsson, Bert Cools, Indrė Jurgelevičiūtė & Gyda Valtýsdóttir

B-Classic gave guitarist and sound artist Bert Cools carte blanche for a new musical creation with Kjartan Sveinsson (Sigur Rós).

Bert Cools, known from Merope, Hoera, and Book of Air, continually evokes dreamlike worlds situated between folk, jazz, and electronic music. His subtle yet layered playing has made him a sought-after musician for artists such as Sam Amidon, Trixie Whitley, and Efterklang.

Kjartan Sveinsson was a co-founder of Sigur Rós, one of the most influential post-rock bands and a flagship of Icelandic music export. He also worked closely with Ragnar Kjartansson, composed soundtracks, and wrote an opera.

Lithuanian musician Indrė Jurgelevičiūtė weaves traditional folk songs, the kanklės, and her ethereal voice into serene, otherworldly soundscapes. Together with Bert Cools, she forms Merope.

Gyða Valtýsdóttir was once part of múm, another Icelandic band that rose to prominence in the late nineties. Since then, the cellist has collaborated with Kronos Quartet, Damien Rice, Jónsi, Ben Frost, and Aaron and Bryce Dessner (The National).

In the summer of 2018, their paths first crossed during the PEOPLE Festival by Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) and Bryce Dessner (The National) in Berlin. Two years later, they reunited for a series of intimate concerts with Shahzad Ismaily.

For B-Classic, they created a soundscape in which Lithuanian folk music, Icelandic mysticism, and minimalist piano converged. The premiere took place during Nordic Night(s) at CCHA, where this unique synergy came to life for the first time.

In 2026, they will once again embark on a European tour together.