Dark Music Days: Reykjavík’s Winter Sound & Innovation Festival

Iceland’s Winter Soundscape

When winter settles over Iceland and daylight becomes scarce, Reykjavík turns inward — and listens more closely. This is when Dark Music Days (Myrkir músíkdagar) takes place, an annual festival dedicated to contemporary music and sonic exploration, held during the darkest weeks of the year.

Founded in 1980 by the Icelandic Composers’ Society (Tónskáldafélag Íslands), Dark Music Days has become Iceland’s most important platform for new music, with a strong emphasis on premieres, experimentation, and artistic risk-taking. Each year, the festival presents a concentrated program of concerts that reflect the breadth of Iceland’s contemporary music scene — from orchestral works and chamber music to electronics and sound-based art.

A Festival Shaped by Darkness

The timing of Dark Music Days is intentional. Taking place in late January or early February, the festival embraces the stillness and intensity of the Icelandic winter. Darkness isn’t treated as something to escape, but as a space for focus, listening, and creative depth.

Many works presented during the festival receive their world premieres, and Dark Music Days regularly introduces more new compositions in a single edition than most other Icelandic cultural events across the year.

What You’ll Experience

Dark Music Days is not a single-venue festival. Performances are typically held at Harpa Concert Hall, Hallgrímskirkja, and other cultural venues across Reykjavík, each offering a distinct acoustic and atmosphere.

The program changes every year but consistently features:

• New works by Icelandic composers
• Performances by leading Icelandic ensembles and musicians
• A mix of acoustic, orchestral, and electronic music
• Intimate concert settings alongside larger-scale performances

The festival also hosts Podium, a professional platform that connects Icelandic composers and performers with international curators, festival directors, and music professionals — reinforcing Iceland’s role in the global contemporary music landscape.

Where & When

Dark Music Days takes place over several days in late January to early February, with key performances at:

• Harpa Concert Hall
• Other cultural venues across Reykjavík
  Many performances are ticketed, but selected installations and family events are free. Festival passes cover multiple concerts and experiences.

Celebrating Innovation & New Music

Dark Music Days places particular emphasis on:

• World premieres and new works
• Icelandic composers and performers
• Experimental compositions that push musical boundaries
  It often premieres more new music than any other Icelandic cultural event, making it a core incubator for creativity and collaboration in Iceland’s music scene.

Headlining Features for 2026

The 2026 edition includes a rich mix of concerts, installations, and performances across Reykjavík:

• Iceland Symphony Orchestra performs contemporary works, including pieces by Bára Gísladóttir and María Huld Markan Sigfúsdóttir, conducted by Sir James MacMillan with soloist Jón Arnar Einarsson.
• The festival opens with a performance by Kammerkórinn Huldur, a vibrant chamber choir showcasing works by young composers.
• Haraldur Jónsson presents a sound work that blurs boundaries between installation, sound art, and performance.

These events show how the festival blends tradition with innovation, creating moments that are both musically rich and intellectually stimulating.

Family & Interactive Events

Dark Music Days isn’t just formal concerts, it includes creative, free, and interactive experiences for wider audiences:

• Music-inspired video game installations designed by students, inviting players to experience music through interactive game worlds.
• Free sound walks and installations around Reykjavík, where visitors engage with the environment through soundscapes and digital interaction.
• These events make contemporary music accessible and playful for families, students, and curious listeners of all ages.

Why It Matters

Dark Music Days transforms Iceland’s winter darkness into a creative force — turning long nights into opportunities for discovery, reflection, and connection through contemporary sound. It highlights:

• Iceland’s vibrant contemporary music community
• International artistic collaboration
• The power of sound and music as cultural expression

Whether you’re passionate about new music, curious about sound art, or seeking a unique cultural experience in Reykjavík, Dark Music Days offers an unforgettable soundtrack to the Icelandic winter.

FQA:

Question: Where is the festival held?

Concerts and events take place at several venues across Reykjavík, including:

• Harpa Concert Hall
• Listasafn Reykjavíkur (Reykjavík Art Museum)
• Other cultural and performance spaces in the city

Venues are centrally located and easy to reach on foot or by public transport.

Question: What kind of music can I expect?

Dark Music Days focuses on contemporary and new music, including:

• Premieres of newly composed works
• Experimental and electronic music
• Chamber music and orchestral performances
• Cross-disciplinary projects blending sound, visuals, and performance

The festival highlights Iceland’s bold, forward-thinking music scene.

Question: Who performs at Dark Music Days?

The lineup features:

• Leading Icelandic composers and performers
• Iceland Symphony Orchestra musicians
• Ensembles, soloists, and experimental artists
• Emerging composers presenting brand-new works

Many performances are world premieres.

Question: Is Dark Music Days suitable for families?

Yes. The festival includes family-friendly events, workshops, and concerts designed to introduce children to contemporary music in playful and engaging ways. Family programming varies each year, so checking the schedule in advance is recommended.

Question: Do I need to know contemporary music to enjoy the festival?

Not at all. Dark Music Days welcomes both seasoned listeners and curious newcomers. The festival is designed to be exploratory — encouraging audiences to discover new sounds and perspectives without needing prior knowledge.

Question: Are tickets required?

Yes, most concerts require tickets. However:

• Some events may be free or low-cost
• Family events are often free or specially priced

Tickets can be purchased through the festival website or participating venues.

Question: Is the festival accessible to international visitors?

Absolutely. Many performances include English program notes, and the festival attracts international audiences, composers, and industry professionals. Reykjavík’s compact city center makes it easy to attend multiple events during your stay.

Question: Why is Dark Music Days held in winter?

Winter in Iceland offers a unique creative backdrop — long nights, quiet streets, and time for reflection. Dark Music Days embraces this atmosphere, turning the darkest season into a celebration of artistic light and innovation.

Question: How can I plan my visit around Dark Music Days?

We recommend:

• Booking accommodation early, as winter festivals attract visitors
• Staying centrally in Reykjavík for easy venue access
• Combining concerts with local experiences like swimming pools, museums, and winter walks

You can find accommodation near festival venues on Key to Iceland.