Rite of Spring Music Festival in Reykjavik Backed by Icelandic Music Export (IMX)

Reykjavik, Iceland, May 09, 2007 --(PR.com)-- The Rite of Spring festival, which focuses on jazz, folk and world music will be taking place in Reykjavik, Iceland between May 17-19th. The festival made its critically acclaimed début last year with a world class line-up from performers such as Serbia’s gypsy band KAL and lcelandic jazz–funk artists Mezzoforte. Rite of Spring aims to bring together the best and most adventurous musicians in these fields for a musical celebration in Reykjavík, Iceland.

Performing this year is Mali's great diva, Oumou Sangaré, aka the "Songbird of Wassoulou." As one of Africa’s most celebrated and respected singers Sangaré has toured with the likes of Baaba Maal, Femi Kuti and Boukman Eksperyans, and has released the critically acclaimed albums of Ko Sira (1993), Worotan (1996) and Oumou (2004).

Also headlining is Bosnian composer Goran Bregovic, famous for his eclectic mix of gypsy brass, Balkan polyphonic music and rock ‘n’ roll. Traditional Bulgarian and Roma singers, a brass band, a string orchestra and a tuxedo-wearing all-male choir from Belgrade will make up his dynamic 40-piece "Wedding and Funeral" orchestra.

One of Iceland’s best-known Icelandic jazz bassist / composer Tómas R. Einarsson is also scheduled to appear, along with another local star, Samúel J. Samúelsson, who will introduce his new album. Salsa Celtica, a band that fuses the Cuban charanga sound of flute and fiddles with a Highland blend of flute, fiddles and bagpipe, are also on the 2007 line-up.

The Rite of Spring festival is organised by Mr. Destiny (the promoters behind the renowned Iceland Airwaves festival) and is being supported by Icelandic Music Export (IMX), a government-backed body which promotes Icelandic music abroad. IMX are also soon to launch an Icelandic music website which will bring the different strands of Icelandic music together under one promotional website. The site will be one-stop shop for Icelandic music events as well as containing full information on Icelandic bands and artists.

For further information on IMX and to sign up to its quarterly music newsletter, visit www.icelandicmusic.is

For direct links to Icelandair’s all-inclusive package deals from your area, visit www.riteofspring.is.

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