Singers and dancers from The Pinewood School (Los Altos, CA) dazzled local audiences.
This February, the ensemble embarked on an eight-day tour across Iceland, sharing their music and dance with audiences while exploring the country’s breathtaking landscapes.
The opening concert took place at a historic church in Skálholt, surrounded by vast landscapes, crisp Arctic air, and a stillness that made every note feel sacred. On a particularly frigid Monday night, a warm and enthusiastic audience gathered, filling the pews with anticipation.
The performance was nothing short of breathtaking.
Their program spanned centuries and continents: Renaissance polyphony, bossa nova, jazz standards—and unforgettable renditions of Björk’s “Hyperballad” and Queen’s “Somebody to Love” that brought the house down. Ballet and modern dance solos transfixed the audience. There was beatboxing, piano, and fearless musical versatility.
One local guide said it best:
“They sang like angels and danced like fairies.”
Somebody to Love:
One of the things that makes touring so powerful is the way performance and place intertwine. Skálholtsdómkirkja wasn’t just another concert venue. The historically significant Icelandic church is surrounded by a stark, dramatic landscape in an isolated area of Iceland. That very isolation deepened the experience. Removed from the noise and saturation of bigger cities the travelers were used to, the performance felt more immediate and immersive. For an audience that doesn’t frequently have the chance to attend concerts in such a remote region, the evening carried a special weight.
Of course, a tour with KI Concerts is never just about performances.
The day after the concert, the ensemble journeyed along Iceland’s dramatic south coast to visit the hauntingly beautiful black sand beaches near Vík í Mýrdal. They stood in awe before the mighty Skógafoss, feeling the mist on their faces and hearing the roar of glacial water tumbling down ancient cliffs.
The group intended to experience as many of Iceland’s natural offerings as possible. They saw northern lights, humpback whales, enormous geysers, and spent an afternoon at the famous Blue Lagoon. Yet one of the sweetest moments of the trip came completely by surprise.
As they headed back to the bus, several adorable Icelandic horses wandered up to the fence, looking as if they’d just walked out of a storybook. Students and teachers alike took turns petting the friendly creatures.
Laughter echoed across the fields. Joy was everywhere.
One of the final moments of the trip was a visit to a majestic frozen lake named Kleifarvatn, where the singers performed an impromptu reprise of “Hyperballad.” See the magic.
Watching the students grow — not just as musicians and dancers, but as global citizens — reminded us why we’re so passionate about what we do. At KI Concerts, we don’t just move ensembles from point A to point B. We craft experiences that connect artistry with place and that create lifelong memories.
Iceland was an incredible back drop for this journey.
To The Pinewood School students and directors: thank you for launching our 2026 season with such heart, discipline, and brilliance. You represented your school with extraordinary artistry.
