If you’re heading to Iceland this autumn and want to experience something truly soulful, mark your calendar for October 25th. That’s when one of Iceland’s most beloved sopranos, and my very own much better half, Hallveig Rúnarsdóttir, will take the stage in Harpa’s Norðurljós Hall (Northern Lights Hall) to celebrate the release of her new album, Songs of Longing and Love. Trust me, this isn’t just a concert. It’s a journey through the emotional landscapes of the Nordic soul. Music that crosses borders—and languages. This concert is part of the annual Opera Days festival.

👉🏽 Book a ticket for the concert

Free road trip plans with maps

Day-by-day plans for the four drives most people take, each on an interactive map with where to sleep, fuel stops, waterfalls and reader discounts along the way. Built for a relaxed pace, not a race.

See all road trip plans

Map of hot springs, spas and pools

Every lagoon, wild hot spring and town pool in Iceland on one map. Find warm water near you, and see which spas give my readers a discount.

  • 57 places to soak
  • % Reader discounts
Open the hot springs map

Video: Bjergven from the upcoming album Songs of Longing and Long

Hallveig teams up with acclaimed Danish pianist Ulrich Stærk to present a gorgeous collection of art songs centered around longing, love, and everything in between. The album features a new song cycle by rising star composer Stefan Sand, who lives and works in Iceland. His music sets the words of four Nordic women poets to haunting melodies, each poem sung in its original language—Danish, Faroese, Norwegian, and Icelandic.

It’s a fresh and modern take that complements the timeless Wesendonck Lieder by Richard Wagner, also featured on the album. If you’ve never heard classical lieder before, this is an accessible and emotionally powerful introduction—especially in the hands (and voice) of Iceland’s and my very own Hallveig.

Support the Album – Join the Journey

Producing a classical album of this caliber takes heart, talent, and financial backing. That’s where you can step in. The Songs of Longing and Love project is currently seeking support through Karolina Fund, Iceland’s premier crowdfunding platform for creative projects.

By backing the album, you’re not only supporting world-class musicians—you’re helping bring fresh, Nordic art to life. Contributors can choose from a range of rewards.

👉 Support the album here on Karolina Fund

Video: Hallveig Rúnarsdóttir performs Ave Maria by Icelandic Composer Sigurður Kaldalóns

Whether you’re a lover of classical music, a traveler with a soft spot for Icelandic culture, or just someone who believes in supporting the arts, this is a beautiful way to get involved.

Why this matters for travelers

When people think of Iceland, they often picture thundering waterfalls, lava fields, and hot springs—and fair enough, we’ve got those in spades. But Iceland is also home to a vibrant music and arts scene that punches way above its weight. My Hallveig has been a key figure in Icelandic music for decades, and this album is a beautiful example of how Iceland continues to foster both tradition and innovation.

Video: Hallveig Rúnarsdóttir sings the classic and Heart-Wrenching Icelandic Lullaby Hvert Örstutt Spor (Every Little Step), Sung to the Music of Icelandic composer Jón Nordal 

Attending a performance at Harpa, Reykjavik’s striking waterfront concert hall, is a must for culture lovers. And with this release concert in late October, you’ve got the perfect excuse to dress up a bit, grab a glass of wine, and treat yourself to a night of world-class music with a Nordic heart.

Who’s behind the music?

Let’s give credit where it’s due:

  • Hallveig Rúnarsdóttir: A household name in Icelandic classical music, with a career spanning 30 years both here and abroad. Her voice is rich, expressive, and deeply moving.
  • Ulrich Stærk: A Danish pianist with over three decades of experience, known for his sensitivity and mastery as a vocal accompanist.
  • Stefan Sand: A young, Denmark-born composer and conductor making serious waves in the Nordic scene. He’s based in Iceland and just received a nomination for the Icelandic Performing Arts Awards (Gríman) for his work on Look at the Music. This choral piece was written for a sign language soloist and a mixed choir.

Video: Hallveig Rúnarsdóttir Sings Draumalandið (The Land of Dreams) by Icelandic Composer Sigfús Einarsson*

* This song is often performed at Icelandic funerals.

Want to dive deeper into Icelandic culture?

Songs of Longing and Love isn’t just an album. It’s an invitation into the emotional and artistic world of the Nordics. Whether you’re in Reykjavik on October 25th or listening from home, it’s worth adding to your Iceland travel playlist.

Want to support Nordic music and help bring this project to life?

👉 Back the album on Karolina Fund

And hey—if you’re the kind of traveler who wants more than just sightseeing tips, make sure to sign up for our free newsletter. You’ll get exclusive travel discounts, local insights, and curated cultural experiences delivered straight to your inbox

Concert Info:

  • Songs of Longing and Love – Album Release Concert
  • Norðurljós Hall (The Northern Lights Hall), Harpa Concert Hall, Reykjavik
  • October 25, 2025
  • Book a ticket