'Beethoven and Banjos' Highlights Icelandic Music

Northern Michigan University's Siril Concert Series will present a "Beethoven and Banjos" concert featuring classical and folk music from Iceland at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, in Reynolds Recital Hall. The featured artists will also present two free events earlier that day in the same location: a music appreciation presentation at 11 a.m., followed by a masterclass at 1 p.m.

Beethoven and Banjos is an annual project organized by the Northwoods Music Collaborative that blends classical and traditional styles into innovative performances. The program integrates musicians from around the world to create new music and fresh interpretations of older works.

This year's concert will highlight Icelandic music with cellist Sæunn Thorsteinsdóttir and composer Halldór Smárason, who will join project founder Evan Premo and folk musician Laurel Premo. Evan also collaborates with Sæunn through his work with Decoda, an affiliate ensemble of Carnegie Hall.

Tickets for the concert are $12 for general admission and free for NMU students and those under 18. They can be purchased at nmu.universitytickets.com.

Learn more about the Siril Concert Series and other NMU Department of Music performances at nmu.edu/music. To learn more about the featured artists, go to northwoodsmusiccollaborative.org/beethoven-and-banjos.