DREAMERS’ CIRCUS Plus support from Duo Ruut

World-class new Nordic music

Is there a more daringly inventive acoustic band in the Nordic sphere than
Dreamers’ Circus? Since first crossing paths at a late-night jam session in
Copenhagen, they have grown into one of the most adventurous and internationally
acclaimed bands in Nordic folk and traditional music. This genre-defying trio blends
breathtaking virtuosity with an adventurous spirit, crafting a sound that is both deeply
rooted and strikingly contemporary.

Drawing from backgrounds in traditional music, classical performance, and jazz
improvisation, the band weaves together influences with effortless finesse. The result
is a musical universe where Nordic folk traditions meet the lyricism of classical music
and the pulse of pop and jazz – all delivered with dazzling energy and melodic
richness.

The trio features Nikolaj Busk (piano, accordion), Rune Tonsgaard Sørensen
(violin), and Ale Carr (cittern). Busk is a prolific composer and arranger whose work
spans folk, pop, jazz, and classical ensembles, with 15 Danish Music Awards to his
name. Sørensen, a founding member of the Grammy-nominated Danish String
Quartet, grew up steeped in traditional Faroese and Danish music. Carr, born into a
renowned Swedish folk music family, is one of Scandinavia’s leading innovators on
string instruments.

Over seven albums, Dreamers’ Circus have established themselves as one of
Denmark’s leading ensembles, honoured by the Danish Arts Foundation as a
“Special Ensemble.” Their extensive touring includes regular appearances across
Europe, North America, and Japan, earning them a growing international reputation
as musical ambassadors for the new Nordic sound.

They’ve collaborated widely and contributed original music to film, television, theatre,
and contemporary dance — including the acclaimed The Lost Musicians with Aaben
Dans. Their most recent album, Handed On, is a celebration and reflection of their
musical heritage.

The name Dreamers’ Circus hints at a world of imagination, daring, and craft —
qualities that shine through in live performances marked by precision, passion and
playful joy.

“They’re world class. Now the world needs to hear them.” — Chris Nickson, Sing Out

“Dreamers’ Circus does for Nordic folk music what Astor Piazzolla did for Argentinian
tango.” — Kim Skotte, Politiken

“Charisma, talent and a powerful performance onstage” — Songlines

Duo Ruut's sound is based on the common ground that two young Estonian musicians and songwriters, Ann-Lisett Rebane and Katariina Kivi have explored since coming together in 2017.

Their sound ties together a single Estonian zither and two distinct voices. Inspired by the traditions of their Estonian heritage, they draw influence from both the beliefs of different cultures and their own contemporary and emotive songwriting.

As they are composing on one instrument Duo Ruut’s music is minimalist at its core but packed with new and imaginative ideas. 

In December 2019 Duo Ruut released their debut album "Tuule sõnad” which was awarded as the Debut Album of the Year by Estonian Ethno Music Awards 2020. The same album was nominated in different categories by Estonian Music Awards. In 2021 Duo Ruut released an EP called “Kulla kerguseks” which received strong organic support internationally. The EP was nominated for the “Ethno/Folk Album of the Year” by Estonian Music Awards 2022. Their latest album “Ilmateade” was released in 2025.

Description

Inspiring Space, Inspiring Lives

Union Chapel is an award winning music venue in Islington, North London. But it’s more than that, it’s Victorian Gothic architectural jewel, that’s still a working church, home to an incredible organ and the base for The Margins Project which works with people facing homelessness and isolation.

Coming to an event at Union Chapel supports the conservation and development of the building. Union Chapel operates as a charity dedicated to looking after the space and opening it to a diverse group of people. In the past 25 years the Chapel has gone from facing demolition to being Grade 1 listed and from being virtually abandoned to welcoming tens of thousands of visitors a year.

We have been voted London’s favourite venue in public polls an amazing three times, in 2002, 2012 and 2014.