A visit to Luleå in Northern Sweden at any time of year is a delight but especially so in winter time. There are a number of winter activities to choose from including snowmobiling across the frozen Bothnia Sea on a pack ice tour; gliding along the snow on a private dog-sled tour with pure-bred Siberian huskies; or ice sculpting from a large block of ice. One activity that is truly unique and definitely worth trying is a visit to an igloo to hear a musical concert conducted from purely Ice instruments.
The sound is surprisingly sharp and the room aglow with multicoloured LED lights which have been masterly placed inside each of the ice instruments – simply magical. The concert lasts for 50 minutes with a musical repertoire from classical pieces to pop and rock. Of course, being in Sweden, there’s the odd Abba song thrown in for good measure.
The instruments include a violin, viola, cellos, bass, guitars, drums, xylophone and even an ice banjo. When played, the violin is suspended by strings from the ceiling to keep it from the musician’s warm body. Hearing truly is believing when it comes to the heavenly sounds emitted from the instruments made entirely from frozen water, if you exclude the obviously essential strings and other odd parts of metal or wood.
The concert is the brainchild of Tim Linhares, a stone and ice sculptor who carves these unique ice instruments in a six-week burst in his back garden. They are then transported to a specially built snow igloo seating about 160 people in Gültzauudden, a nature park in Luleå, where the orchestra plays each weekend Fri-Sun. The concerts are held here from 28 December to the beginning of April.
As the igloo has a constant temperature of – 5°C degrees, it’s advisable to dress for the occasion in warm winter woollies – at least 3 layers plus gloves and hat. On entrance everyone is given a mat to sit on but take a second one to place under your feet too! Once the music starts you soon forget the cold and are transported by the music. An experience not to be missed!
Sunvil Discovery
Rosanna
