Matinée –HYMNASÝN
Saturday November 2nd at 12 hrs
Ástvaldur Traustason Piano, organ & accordion
Þorgrímur Jónsson Double bass
Scott McLemore Percussion
Admission  ISK 2.900

HYMNASÝN
The Hymnasýn album features hymns from the Icelandic psalm book. Our aim is to create a unique and personal interpretation of this important part of Icelandic musical heritage, capturing the beauty and depth that lies in the simplicity and sincerity of these hymns.

Over the centuries, hymns have reflected the life journey of Icelanders, in both joy and sorrow, and are sung and played at every milestone, from cradle to grave. The hymns serve as both praise and celebration of the beauty of life and God's mercy, as well as comfort in times of grief and death, encouragement in daily struggles, a call to the Creator, and a peaceful moment of togetherness in Hallgrímskirkja.

Ástvaldur Zenki has been a prominent figure in the Icelandic music scene for more than 40 years. He has collaborated with some of Icelandic leading musicians and participated in countless projects and concerts. Ástvaldur Zenki plays the piano, accordion, and church organ across a range of genres, including jazz, pop, tango, klezmer and church music.
One of Astvaldur Zenki’s key interests is interpretation of hymns in the Icelandic psalm book. This passion is beautifully expressed in his album Hymnasýn, which serves as a testament to his dedication to exploring and honouring psalms as a vital part of Icelandic musical heritage.
Astvaldur Zenki has a Dharma Transmission from Jakusho Kwon -roshi in the linage of Suzuki Roshi (hence the name Zenki). Astvaldur Zenki is currently the Abbot and teacher of the Icelandic Zen Community. His many years of dedication and deep commitment to Zen meditation and spiritual inquiry gives him a unique perspective and emotional depth in his music performance.
Currently, Astvaldur Zenki also holds the position of an organist and choir director at Bessastaðir, where he has been instrumental in shaping the musical experience for the community. In addition to his performance work, Astvaldur Zenki has also released two acclaimed albums, Hymnasýn and Hljóð, both of which have received positive reviews for their originality and artistry. His composition Heima (Home) on the album Hljóð (Sound) was nominated for the best jazz composition at the Icelandic Music Awards.
Playing the piano, accordion, and church organ in a unique style, he guides the audience on a profound musical journey within.

Þorgrímur “Toggi” Jónsson, Icelandic bass player has been a major part of the Icelandic jazz scene for the last 25 years. Has played with some of the best-known musicians in Iceland and also some of the many foreign musicians that have visited Iceland in recent years.
In 2016 Toggi released his own CD, Constant Movement, including 10 original compositions performed by his own band including some of the finest musicians in Iceland. His music is influenced from the Balkans, pop music as well as European jazz. Thoughtful and melodic compositions are at the forefront showcasing the strengths of his quintet.
The CD has received fantastic reviews along with being voted Jazz Album of the year at the Icelandic Music Awards.
In august of 2021, Toggi released his second solo album named Hagi, 10 pieces plus 2 extra, written with this personal and formation of a band in mind. Melodic and thoughtful compositions that vary from hymn-like church music to pop and/or rock music of the 70ths.
Amongst other various projects Toggi has been member of the Sunna Gunnlaugs trio since 2011 and also in the band Byzantine Silhouette that plays music originated in the Balkans.

The American drummer and composer Scott McLemore graduated with a B.M. in Jazz Studies from William Paterson College in 1997. He was active in the New York jazz scene for the following years and has performed around the world. He moved to Iceland in 2005 and has been actively involved in the Icelandic music scene ever since. He obtained Icelandic citizenship in 2021.

In 2012, he released the album “Remote Location,” featuring his own compositions, which earned him nominations in three categories at the Icelandic Music Awards.

In April 2013, with the support of the Goethe Institute, he invited the German saxophonist Angelica Niescier to Iceland. Together, they have released two albums as a trio with guitarist Hilmar Jensson: "Broken Cycle" in 2015 and "Broken Cycle 2" in 2021, and they have performed in Iceland, Germany, and Belgium.

Scott is one of the three members of ASA Trio, which has released three albums: “Plays Monk” in 2012, “Craning” in 2014, and “Another Time” in 2022, featuring Jóel Pálsson. “Another Time” was named Album of the Year at the Icelandic Music Awards, and Scott was nominated for Song of the Year. ASA Trio toured Europe in 2014.

Scott is an active member of Sunna Gunnlaugs Trio (with albums Long Pair Bond in 2011, Distilled in 2013, Cielito Lindo in 2015, and Ancestry in 2018). The trio represented Iceland at the Nordic Cool festival at the Kennedy Center in March 2013 and at the Reykjavik Music Group the same year. The Sunna Gunnlaugs Trio was named Performer of the Year at the Icelandic Music Awards in 2015 and is particularly active in performing abroad.

Scott recorded the album “The Multiverse” in 2018, which earned him nominations at the Icelandic Music Awards for Album of the Year, Composition of the Year, and Composer of the Year. The release concert was held at the Reykjavik Jazz Festival, and the quartet, featuring Hilmar Jensson and David Doruzka on guitars, and Nico Moreaux on bass, toured Europe in 2019 and again in 2021. “The Multiverse: Knowing” was released in 2022.

Scott teaches drums at the Mosfellsbær School of the Arts.