Since the end of the nineteenth century, the dialogue between the hurdy gurdy and the accordion has been at the centre of ball music. Accordingly, the Symbio duo embodies a notable tradition, and nourrishes it with all the originality of the Scandinavian imagination. The duo’s musical language takes up a type of modernity in a region where the disctinction between traditional and folk music is not as cut and dry as in our part of the world. The tradition is passed on without the thread ever being cut; it actively manifests in musical life, whether that be ‘authentic’ or ‘world’, classical or pop. As part of this living transmission, the two artists of Symbio wish to share a story and tell it, viewing each concert as ‘a sort of cinemgraphic experience’. The duo suprises audiences as much with their virtuosity as with their scenic presence, and takes them on a musical journey that is both moving and dreamy.

Johannes Geworkian-Hellman : hurdy-gurdy (vielle à roue)

Larsemil Öjeberget : accordion

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Johannes Geworkian Hellman is considered one of the most talented and creative hurdy gurdy players of his generation. He studied at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, at the Sibelius Academy of Helsinki, and also with some of the best players of the hurdy gurdy in the world today. Johannes received the prize ‘Best new artist of the year’ with the duo Symbio at the Swedish Folk & World Music Awards in 2016. He was also awarded, three years in a row, the prestigious grant from the Royal Swedish Academy. He also took first prize at the international competition for the vielle at the Château D’Ars, France, in 2011.

LarsEmil Öjeberget is an accordionist, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter-composer and producer. He had a precocious start to music that allowed him to explore diverse styles and study in different institutions according to his whims, which led him to folk, classical, jazz and rock music. LarsEmil is also a sought-after composer, arranger and orchestrator in recording, radio and film circles.