Novarupta Tickets

Novarupta, the volcanic eruption that occurred in Alaska in 1912, may seem like an unlikely topic for concerts. However, over the past few years, several musicians have sought to explore the explosive event and its aftermath through their music.

At the forefront of this movement is the band Novarupta. The project, led by Swedish musician and multi-instrumentalist Alexander Stjernfeldt, draws inspiration from the eruption and the surrounding landscape to create a unique blend of black metal and post-rock. The band's debut album, "Disillusioned Fire," released in 2019, explores themes of destruction, rebirth, and human resilience through its music.

Other musicians have also taken on Novarupta as source material. In 2021, Icelandic composer and cellist Hildur Guðnadóttir premiered her new composition, "Reflection," inspired by the eruption, at the Reykjavik Arts Festival. The piece, which includes field recordings of volcanic activity, attempts to capture the raw power and beauty of the natural phenomenon.

Even outside of these specific musical works, Novarupta continues to inspire concert experiences. In 2020, the Alaskan Symphony Orchestra performed a program titled "Novarupta: Symphony on Fire" that celebrated the centennial of the eruption. In addition to featuring music by composers who lived through the event, the program also incorporated field recordings of volcanic eruptions to create an immersive audio experience.

While Novarupta may not seem like an obvious choice for concert inspiration, the event's impact on the natural world and human history has proven rich ground for creative exploration. As more artists seek to synthesize the scientific, cultural, and emotional aspects of the eruption, we may see further innovations in musical storytelling and representation.