Björk’s Orkestral World Live Performance
When artist Björk decided to give one of her most intimate concert projects a physical form, she didn’t just release music; she unveiled an orchestral dream. The recording of Björk Orkestral with the Hamrahlíð Choir, which debuted at Reykjavík’s Harpa Concert Hall in October 2021, has officially landed worldwide, available on LP, CD, Blu-ray, and DVD on November 27.
This project is less about spectacle and more about sublime juxtaposition. Instead of relying on elaborate visual worlds, the concert focused entirely on reimagining Björk’s catalog through pure orchestration, placing her voice, electronics, and the incredible contributions of Iceland’s Hamrahlíð Choir front and center. Björk herself expressed immense joy about the process, noting how much love, energy, and time went into creating the performance. She reflected on the philosophical core of the work, exploring how nature and technology can coexist amicably through the fascinating juxtaposition of voices and electronic soundscapes.
The heart of this unique collaboration lies in the Hamrahlíð Choir, led by founder Þorgerður Ingólfsdóttir. The bond between Björk and the choir is deep-rooted, tracing back to earlier works like Utopia’s “Body Memory.” This relationship was further expanded through the live production of Cornucopia, which allowed their creative connection to flourish across various European dates.
The repertoire beautifully draws from the vocal experiments of 2004’s Medúlla, weaving together established melodies with new, expansive sonic textures. This collaboration is particularly meaningful for Björk, who herself has a lifelong connection to the choir, having been a member of the Hamrahlíð College Choir.
The decision to conceive and rehearse the Orkestral project during the COVID-19 pandemic proved pivotal. The stripped-down, orchestral format allowed Björk to revisit older songs she hadn’t yet fully explored live. This stripped-down approach put the architecture of the music itself, rather than external staging, at the forefront.
The Hamrahlíð Choir’s history is rich, stretching back to 1982 when Þorgerður Ingólfsdóttir established the choir. The group has nurtured generations of Icelandic musicians, featuring notable figures like pianist Víkingur Ólafsson and composers Bára Gísladóttir and Haukur Tómasson.
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