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Víkingur Ólafsson Curates Bach and Light Art Series at Lucerne Festival

festival-fair · 2026-05-11

Icelandic pianist Víkingur Ólafsson, renowned for his Bach interpretations, will curate a new series at the Lucerne Festival starting Friday. The series, titled 'Pulse,' combines Bach's Goldberg Variations with light art, merging music and visual elements in a multimedia performance. Ólafsson aims to bridge classical music with contemporary art forms, presenting seemingly incompatible works in unified programs. The event is part of the Lucerne Festival's broader initiative to innovate and attract diverse audiences. Ólafsson's approach reflects his ongoing exploration of Bach's compositions, which have made him one of the most internationally recognized pianists. The series will feature multiple performances, integrating live piano with synchronized light installations.

Key facts

  • Víkingur Ólafsson is curating a new series at the Lucerne Festival.
  • The series is called 'Pulse'.
  • It combines Bach's Goldberg Variations with light art.
  • The series starts on Friday.
  • Ólafsson is known for his Bach interpretations.
  • He is one of the most internationally recognized pianists.
  • The event is part of the Lucerne Festival's innovation efforts.
  • The performances integrate live piano with light installations.

Entities

Artists

  • Víkingur Ólafsson

Institutions

  • Lucerne Festival

Locations

  • Lucerne
  • Switzerland

Sources