BIG BANG brings summer to Breiðholt
On the first day of summer, April 23, the European BIG BANG music festival takes place at the Reykjavík City Library in Gerðuberg and Sigursvein's Music School at Hraunberg 2. Now in its fifth year, the festival features original, wide-ranging musical events from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The festival puts the children's experience front and center, offering them a chance to explore the diverse world of music. Organizers focus on engaging adventurous musicians and composers eager to explore imaginative ways to make concerts accessible and memorable for every child.
Celebrations of summer's arrival
Múrbalasláttur — Drummers Siggi and Keli (Sigurður Ingi Einarsson and Hrafnkell Örn Guðjónsson) spent the past several months traveling across Iceland teaching children to drum on mixing tubs (yes, you read that right — the black buckets from the hardware store). Now it's time for children at three primary schools in Breiðholt — and rumor has it these kids have exceptional energy and a natural sense of rhythm. Don't miss Múrbalasláttur!
Tónatak is a fun event where participants discover how electricity and touch transform ordinary fruit into musical instruments. Can you make music with whatever's sitting in your fruit bowl or fridge at home? A small electric ensemble comes together, and from there it's all about experimenting and building a unique sound.
Bernskubrek is a folk-inspired children's and family concert for energetic, creative kids of all ages. The band Brek delivers a rich, ambitious musical experience for children and their families, weaving together memory fragments, storytelling, soundscapes, and music in an exemplary performance.
Spring Quartet (Gormakvartett)— Most people have heard the muffled sounds coming from inside a spring mattress. Spring Quartet draws out and amplifies those exact sounds. Using contact microphones to pick up vibrations from the solid surfaces, they make these sounds clear and distinct, transforming the mattress into an instrument or sound sculpture.
Míní Rave is a sensory-friendly rave for all children. Organizers focus on making participation accessible to everyone, regardless of diagnosis or ability level. DJs choose songs with sensory considerations in mind and keep the volume low so all children can let loose on the dance floor and play with flags, sensory tables, and various rave fidget toys. Noise-canceling ear defenders will be available throughout the event. Non-stop fun in a sensory-friendly setting — for every child!
Austanátt — Have you ever wondered what a happy hippopotamus sounds like? Or tried marching in triple time? Austanátt is a brand-new, high-energy band playing funk, tango, disco, čoček, and everything in between — all highly danceable. The band features a drummer and seven brass and wind players, drawing inspiration from Eastern musical traditions.
Music crafts at the library— The Reykjavík City Library offers music-themed crafts, giving children and families a chance to unwind between events, browse books, and create at their own pace. Visitors can enjoy BIG BANG coloring book illustrations, design music bookmarks, and build colorful shakers.
Dans Afríka Iceland introduces audiences to the vibrant world of West African Guinean culture through drumming performances throughout the festival grounds. They bring the energy and joy of Africa to an interactive performance where everyone can learn a few dance steps to the beat of live drumming.
Árstíðir is a lively, colorful music theater piece by Elína Gunnlaugsdóttir. Composed for vocalist, flute, and piano, the piece draws on playful and witty poems from Þórarinn Eldjárn's poetry collection Árstíðir. The soprano leads the journey as both narrator and singer, while the instrumentalists participate fully in the storytelling through playful musicianship.
The agents serve as BIG BANG's hosts and will move around the festival grounds throughout the event. They'll be there to give BIG BANG guests a warm welcome!
Everyone is welcome, and everything is free!