The Beethoven & Banjos Festival, the annual cross-genre celebration of classical and folk traditions, returns this October with a program inspired by the sounds and landscapes of Iceland. This year’s ensemble brings together an extraordinary lineup of international and regional talent: Sæunn Thorsteinsdóttir — An internationally acclaimed Icelandic cellist praised for her “emotional intensity.” Thorsteinsdóttir has performed at Carnegie Hall, Elbphilharmonie, Disney Hall, and beyond. Halldór Smárason — Icelandic composer and Manhattan School of Music graduate, whose debut album STARA and collaborations with the Iceland Symphony and Ensemble intercontemporain have earned international recognition. Evan Premo — Artistic Director of Northwoods Music Collaborative and member of Carnegie Hall’s Ensemble Connect. Laurel Premo — Known for her roots-infused, Nordic-tinged sound that drives the festival’s deep and distinctive musical experience.Together, the ensemble will present a program blending traditional Icelandic melodies with improvisational explorations of “sense of place”—reflecting both the rugged beauty of Iceland and the Northwoods.