"Icelandic prayer for peace and justice in Europe"

“Today’s performance is dedicated to the people of Ukraine. An Icelandic prayer for peace and justice in Europe.”

THe Icelandic pianist Víkingur Heiðar Ólafsson played for the meeting guests at the Harpa European Council yesterday. He played the Ave María by Sigvaldi Kaldalón with great introspection in his own unique way.

Belongs to all nations

Ólafsson introduced the song to attendees as a special song that is united with the Icelandic people in both happy and sad times. He said that the song, like all great art, belongs not only to one nation but to all nations.

The move was greeted with vigorous applause and Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir thanked Ólafsson, saying that all Icelanders shed a tear when they listen to Kaldalón’s beautiful song.