Sigur Rós’ Orchestral Farewell at Edmonton’s Winspear Centre
Last night at Edmonton’s Winspear Centre, Sigur Rós delivered a transcendent concert that reaffirmed why their music lives somewhere between the sublime and ineffable. Backed by the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, the Kor Óra Choir and organist Jeremy Spurgeon as part of the Wordless Music Orchestra, the band transformed the space into a shimmering, other-worldly room.
One of the most striking moments came early in the first set during “Untitled #1 — Vaka,” frontperson Jónsi’s microphone unexpectedly cut out, the PA system faltering mid-song. The orchestra and band continued acoustically and remarkably, Jónsi’s voice remained crystal clear throughout the Winspear’s expansive hall without amplification. The whispered moments took on an added power when the mic failed, the voice carried all the more. He resumed singing as though nothing had happened, drawing from an audience an awed silence you could hear a pin drop. After the conclusion, techs hurried to the stage to fix the issue but audience members cheered “we hear you just fine, loud and clear! Keep going!”. A powerful sentiment that no matter the obstacle or technical difficulty, people yearn for Jónsi’s voice in whatever way they can hear it.
The concert’s structure was smart and satisfying: two roughly forty-minute sets separated by a short break to leave room for the emotional intensity of the evening. The first set leaned heavily into newer material (notably selections from the recently released Átta) and revisited favourites from Valtari — which for me remains their most orchestral-ready work, and indeed those Valtari selections sounded exquisitely beautiful with full orchestra. The second set brought out the choir and the organ with Spurgeon’s rich tone anchoring the climax, the orchestra swelling beneath the voices and keys with precision.
Highlights included the familiar magic of “Hoppípolla” and the choral sweep of “Andvari.” The 25-year anniversary of Takk… was acknowledged, yet the band surprisingly played few tracks from that album, instead favouring fresh material and deep cuts from albums like Valtari and (). To some it would seem a risk, but to most fans it’s a testament that Sigur Rós’ discography as a whole stands the test of time and most are grateful to be there in the same room for the overall experience, rather than the “greatest hits”.
Visually, the show was as mesmerizing as the music. Twinkling bulbs were set up across the orchestra’s peripheral spaces, with the lighting shifting from deep blues and reds in the opening, through warmer golds as teh sets progressed evoking the turning of seasons. Among the audience you could feel the reverence with key moments of silence and people closing their eyes, leaning into the sound. Equally remarkable was the band’s humility. The band came out twice to bow after a grand finale of “Avalon” off their second album Ágætis byrjun, applauding the orchestra and choir sections with genuine gratitude. And when the mic failure occurred, it could have derailed the momentum, but instead it turned into an intimate moment of vulnerability and triumph with neither the conductor or Jónsi missing a beat.
The core band lineup — Jónsi Birgisson (vocals/guitar), Georg Hólm (bass), and Kjartan Sveinsson (keyboards/arrangements) — are still crafting music that feels daring. From what once sounded influence by Dead Can Dance (or my favourite underrated reference: Moby’s “When It's Cold I'd Like to Die,"), has turned into adaptation with references of hyperpop and experimental work. Although this evening might well be part of their farewell tour, their legacy is far from diminished and instead feels deeply affirmed. If this is indeed their final bow, it is one worthy of the years of devotion they have inspired.
In the hushed aftermath, as the lights came up and the orchestra slowly exited the stage, you could sense that everyone present felt they had witnessed something rare. Sigur Rós may be leaving this chapter behind, and we will be eagerly anticipating their next move, but the emotional resonance of this performance will linger in memory.
