Symphony orchestra to play heavy metal

Two special concerts with folk metal band Týr, the symphony orchestra and a big choir will take place in Tórshavn’s Nordic House on February 7 and 8.

Billed as the largest project to date for the Faroese symphony orchestra, the project is a collaboration between the orchestra, Týr, Kringvarp Føroya and the Nordic House.

”This is something I have been dreaming of all my life,” says Týr frontman Heri Joensen. “Many great metal bands such as Deep Purple, Uriah Heep and Metallica have teamed up with symphony orchestras, and I have really enjoyed listening to it. Now it’s our turn to do it, and we’re very excited about it.”

Big challenge

Sixteen of the band’s songs have been sent to an Icelandic composer who is arranging them for symphony orchestra and choir.

“There wasn’t much heavy metal around back in the days of Bach, Mozart and Beethoven. As an orchestra, we need to keep up with the developments in the world of music, and this is a great way to expand our horizon,” says Poul Jákup Thomsen, chairman of the symphony orchestra.

“It’s a huge project – probably the biggest one we’ve ever had in the orchestra’s 35-year history,” he adds. “In addition to all the musicians involved, it is also a massive technical challenge with a light show and big-screen visuals during the concert.”

Translated by prosa.fo