Nordic Affect
Nordic Affect have been hailed for their “affectionate explorations” (BBC Music Magazine) and “commitment to their repertoire” (Classical Music). Recently described as a “gem in Iceland’s musical life” by critic Jónas Sen, Nordic Affect have created a highly unique voice, which has earned them international recognition. In 2013 they were nominated for the Nordic Council Music Prize and in the following year they were named Performer of the Year at the Iceland Music Awards.
Nordic Affect was formed by a group of period instrument musicians who were united in their passion for viewing familiar musical forms from a different perspective and for daring to venture into new musical terrain. Its members have individually performed and recorded with artists and groups such as Jóhann Jóhannsson, The English Concert, Concerto Copenhagen, Anima Eterna Brugge, Orchestre des Champs-Élysées and Björk.
The commissioning and performance of new works is integral to Nordic Affect’s mission as they have, from the group’s inception, combined new compositions with the music of the 17th and 18th centuries. Since their debut in 2005, Nordic Affect have performed to critical acclaim at festivals such as TRANSIT festival (BE), Dark Music Days (IS), November Music (NL), BRQ Vantaa Festival (FI), Skálholt Summer Concerts (IS), Copenhagen Renaissance Festival (DK) and Iceland Airwaves (IS). Their performances can be found on the Deutsche Grammophon, Bad Taste Records, Musmap and Brilliant Classics labels and have received glowing reviews in the international press alongside the Kraumur Award and Iceland Music Awards. A new album with Icelandic works will be released at the end of July by the Sono Luminus label.
The artistic director of Nordic Affect since its foundation has been Halla Steinunn Stefánsdóttir.