In a performance that transcended the boundaries of genre and expectation, Sigur Rós, in collaboration with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, delivered a night of sonic transcendence that will linger in the city’s cultural memory for years to come. As part of the Vivid LIVE festival, this concert was not merely a musical event; it was a moving journey into the heart of Icelandic post-rock, amplified by the grandeur of orchestral arrangement: sometimes dreamy and hypnotic, sometimes euphoric.
The result was quite simply a sonic landscape painted in sound.
The problem with describing the music of Sigur Rós is coming up with descriptions that don’t involve the words spiritual, ethereal, transcendent and euphoric, and tonight, it was even more spiritual, ethereal, transcendent and euphoric than ever before. The swell of the orchestra combined with the exquisite vocals of Jónsi served to augment, enhance the sounds, causing the hairs on the back of my neck to stand many times.
It was a concert of two halves.
The evening commenced with a selection from ÁTTA, the band’s most intimate and emotionally direct album to date. Tracks like ‘Blóðberg’, ‘Ekki múkk’ and ‘Fljótavík’ set the tone, their ethereal melodies intertwining seamlessly with the rich textures provided by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Robert Ames. The orchestral accompaniment added a layer of depth and complexity, transforming the band’s already expansive sound into a lush, cinematic experience. The result was not as rock’n’roll as the band playing alone – the orchestral sounds creating a softer more ethereal sound.
As the night progressed, the setlist traversed the band’s illustrious discography. ‘8’, ‘Von’ and ‘Andvari’ showcased the band’s ability to evoke a sense of vast, open landscapes, while ‘Starálfur’ and ‘Dauðalogn’ brought moments of delicate introspection. The inclusion of ‘Varðeldur’ was a highlight, its crescendo building to a powerful climax that resonated throughout the Concert Hall.
The second set delved deeper into Sigur Rós’s repertoire, with orchestral renditions of ‘Untitled #1 – Vaka’ and ‘Untitled #3 – Samskeyti’ standing out as particularly poignant moments – cinematic and epic in their melodies and with a sense of familiarity. These compositions, originally minimalist in their approach, were transformed into sweeping orchestral pieces that captured the full emotional spectrum of the band’s work.
‘Ylur’ introduced a more experimental sound, with electronic elements blending seamlessly with the orchestral arrangement. ‘Skel’ brought a sense of urgency, its driving rhythms and intense orchestration captivating the audience.
‘All Alright’ offered a moment of optimism, its uplifting melodies providing a contrast to the previous intensity. ‘Untitled #5 – Álafoss’ brought a sense of tranquility, its gentle rhythms and soothing harmonies creating a peaceful ambiance.
‘Sí lest was a standout, its intricate arrangements and dynamic shifts showcasing the band’s versatility. The crowning moment of course was the utterly euphotic ‘Hoppípolla’ brought the evening to a euphoric climax, its jubilant melodies and infectious energy
The band left the stage and Ames and the orchestra played ‘Avalon’ which was a fitting coda to the night, its sweeping orchestral arrangement leaving the audience in a state of awe and appreciation.
The band returned for a standing ovation from the audience and three curtain calls, the members looking genuinely moved by the reception.
This collaboration between Sigur Rós and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra was a testament to the power of music to transcend genres and create profound emotional experiences. The seamless integration of post-rock and classical elements resulted in a performance that was both innovative and deeply moving. For those fortunate enough to witness this historic event, it was an unforgettable evening that highlighted the boundless possibilities of musical collaboration.
Feature Photograph and Gallery: Arun Kendall
