BIT20 Ensemble is perhaps Scandinavia’s most fearless force in contemporary music. Founded in Bergen in 1989 to shake up the scene, they’ve spent more than three decades commissioning, premiering and performing music that evades easy categorisation. Now they’re coming to State of the Art — with Icelandic conductor Bjarni Frímann at the helm. Born in the same year as BIT20, Bjarni is now the ensemble’s newly appointed Artistic Director. Since taking over, they have been on a serious run in Norway: rave reviews, packed rooms and top marks from the critics. And on stage, generations collide — young players alongside seasoned veterans who have been making waves with BIT20 since 1989.

For State of the Art, they bring a Nordic programme that goes from razor-sharp contemporary music to the gloriously unexpected. There’s a punk premiere. There’s an Icelandic detour. There are some pieces BIT20 have made their own. And there are a few things best left untold.

One of Iceland’s own. One of new music's most adventurous ensembles. Come curious. Leave confused.