Concert: Svante’s Ballads

For the first time in Icelandic, the acclaimed work of Danish master Benny Andersen, Svante’s Ballads, will be performed at The Nordic House. 

Svante’s Ballads is a story told through song, where music and poetry come together in a unique and captivating way. Aðalsteinn Ásberg Sigurðsson translated it into Icelandic and also performs the work, accompanied by Gunnar Gunnarsson on piano and Birgir Steinn Theódórsson on double bass. 

First published in Denmark more than half a century ago, Svante’s Ballads appeared both as a book and as a bestselling album featuring Benny Andersen and singer Povl Dissing. The work has since become deeply rooted in Danish cultural life and is now regarded as one of the landmark works in Danish music history. 

This concert offers Icelandic audiences a chance to experience this celebrated classic in Icelandic, in a live performance where poetry, music and storytelling come together. 

Admission is free. Elissa Auditorium has good access; there is a low threshold into the room. More information about accessibility in The Nordic House is found on the webpage: Accessibility in the Nordic House.