Navaranaaq

Greenland is Iceland’s closest geographical neighbor. Despite this proximity, intercultural exchange between Icelanders and Greenlanders has historically been limited and remains so today. The reasons are varied, with linguistic differences, distinct traditions, and divergent cultures among the most significant. Literary connections between the two nations have likewise been scarce. Today, strengthening ties between these neighboring peoples through cultural collaboration is both necessary and valuable, especially in light of Greenland’s ongoing efforts to secure its standing in the community of nations. Deepening this relationship is the goal that lies at the heart of the present project, which will bring together composers, poets, folk musicians, choirs, choirmasters, and translators from Greenland, Iceland, Norway, and Denmark.

Project leaders Stefan Sand (Denmark/Iceland), Nuka Alice (Greenland) and Rebekka Ingibjartsdóttir (Iceland/Norway) bring two legends together: the Norse story of Olavik, as interpreted by Einar Benediktsson in Ólafs ríma Grænlendings, and the legend of Navaranaaq.