Von-Hope from Swirling Flame by Elysian Fields

I met Icelandic composer Hildigunnur Rúnarsdóttir, and her sister Hallveig Rúnarsdóttir, a wonderfully versatile singer, on a project they did in Australia involving my acoustic group, The Marais Project. Hildigunnur wrote two works for us on that occasion. I loved her approach so asked her to contribute a piece for this album. Von-Hope is based on an Icelandic folk song and shows off the band’s quirky side.

In June 2025 I caught up with them again in Iceland when we visited on vacation. We have plans to continue to work together.

Elysian Fields is one of the world's only electric viola da gamba bands. The sextet was founded by gambist, Jenny Eriksson along Matt Keegan, sax, & Matt McMahon, piano. We largely play original music & arrangements written by group members.

Our new album 'Swirling Flame' is out October 24 2025

maraisproject.com.au