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Learn from experts and local luminaries
An Icelandic voyage might include a tête-à-tête on board the ship with luminaries like Silja Ómarsdóttir, a professor of Icelandic society and politics, and Ragna Árnadóttir, the first female secretary general in the Icelandic Parliament. Plus, you’ll catch performances from artists like Hafdís Huld Þrastardóttir, who weaves together music and stories about rural Icelandic life.
Ethnomusicologist Jacob Edgar describes the way that music helps visitors truly discover a culture.
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As the world’s fascination with Iceland has grown, Iceland’s reputation as a musical hotspot has also played a part in the country's tourism boom. Travelers on Lindblad’s Iceland itineraries will have a chance to hear some of the musicians that are leading Iceland’s musical eruption. Lindblad's ethnomusicologist, Jacob Edgar, has invited the following renowned Icelandic musicians to perform on selected departures of A Circumnavigation of Iceland and Wild Iceland Escape throughout the summer. Enjoy Jacob's curated playlist, which features many of the artists who will be joining guests aboard throughout the season, or read on to learn more about them.
Local Luminaries
Each Iceland expedition features opportunities to meet and hear from interesting locals aboard ship, including:
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Silja Ómarsdóttir: Professor of International Affairs. Focused on Icelandic society and politics, reproductive rights, Iceland’s foreign and security policy, and feminist international relations. Served as chair of Iceland‘s Gender Equality Council and on the Constitutional Council of 2011. |
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Thóra Arnórsdóttir: Investigative journalist, documentary film producer, candidate for Icelandic president in 2012. Lecturer at University of Iceland on International Relations and holds degrees in Philosophy and International Economics & Development. |
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Ragna Árnadóttir: First woman to hold the position of Secretary General of Althingi, the Icelandic Parliament; former CEO Iceland's National Power Company that produces 75% of the country's electricity. |
Musicians
Meet some of the world-class musicians who will be joining guests aboard
Ylja
Ylja was formed in 2008 by guitarists/singers Gígja Skjaldardóttir and Bjartey Sveinsdóttir in Reykjavík, Iceland. With a common passion for vocal harmonies and love for the acoustic guitar, Ylja will perform haunting and moving melodies in the Icelandic language that blend ancient influences with modern inspirations.
Myrra Rós
Myrra Rós is a Reykjavík-based singer/songwriter. Her music drifts from dreamy lo-fi folk pop to up-tempo pop with layered vocal harmonies. Her enthralling live performances, led by her ethereal and exquisite voice, have delighted audiences across Europe.
Svavar Knútur
A troubadour of humble beginnings and rural upbringing, Svavar Knútur's music tells stories of love, tragedies, sadness and redemption in a harsh and hostile climate. His songs and vocal delivery always seem to strike a chord with his audiences as he performs stories within stories within songs within songs.
Árstíðir
Árstíðir is a classically influenced indie-folk rock/chamber pop band. Árstíðir got off to a dream start in 2008 with two number-one hits on Icelandic National Radio. A video of the band doing an impromptu a capella performance of the Icelandic hymn “Heyr himna smiður” in a German train station wowed the world after going viral.
Ösp Eldjárn
Hailing from a valley in the North of Iceland, Ösp Eldjárn makes music that reflects the folk songs of her native country and absorbs the artistry of contemporary songwriting. She carries with her a fine Icelandic tradition of soaring melody-led songs of glacial beauty and striking emotional power.
Articles and Videos
Virtual Expedition: Ragga Grondal
Singer-songwriter Ragga Grondal performed a mini concert from her living room in Reykjavik as part of Lindblad Expeditions' "Virtual Music Lounge" in summer 2020.
How an Ethnomusicologist Uncovers Music Around the World
Jacob Edgar, who has curated concerts for Lindblad guests everywhere from Scotland to Tahiti, explains the criteria he uses when searching for performers.