The University of Georgia Performing Arts Center welcomes Symbio, the acclaimed Swedish electro-folk duo, for both an evening performance and afternoon insights on Sept. 25. These events are part of the Nordic Dream: Voices from Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden series, which highlights exceptional Scandinavian artists.
Winners of the Band of the Year award at the Swedish Folk & World Music Gala, Symbio combines the unlikely pairing of accordion and hurdy-gurdy — an ancient, hand-cranked string instrument — with modern electronics. The duo creates dynamic performances that are at once intimate and cinematic. Their music, built on pulse, drone and evolving soundscapes, ranges from delicate, dreamlike passages to powerful, driving grooves.
Begin the experience with an intimate free workshop at Ramsey Concert Hall, starting at 12:45 p.m. Attendees will get a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse as musicians Johannes Geworkian Hellman (hurdy-gurdy, electronics) and LarsEmil Öjeberget (accordion, stomp box, electronics) discuss their creative process, instruments, and Swedish cultural roots. This session is open to the public, no tickets required.
At 7:30 p.m., the spotlight returns to Ramsey Concert Hall for a full-length, ticketed performance by Symbio. The duo’s poetic blend of acoustic instrumentation and ambient electronics offers a vibrant and immersive musical journey — perfectly aligned with the PAC’s mission to present culturally rich and emotionally resonant performances.
Formed during a jam session in 2011, Symbio quickly developed a creative connection that has since fueled their international success. Today they’re heralded as one of the most prominent voices in contemporary Nordic folk and world music, having toured extensively across Europe and North America.
Their album “Endeavour” was named best album of the year at the Swedish Folk & World Music Awards 2023, earning them high praise for its cinematic storytelling and emotional resonance. In the same year, Symbio was selected as an official showcase artist at WOMEX, the prestigious World Music Expo.
Three ways to get tickets
- Purchase tickets online at pac.uga.edu.
- Call the Performing Arts Center box office at 706-542-4400, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Visit the UGA Performing Arts Center box office, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Five-minute parking is available in the drop off circle at the Performing Arts Center for purchasing or picking up tickets.)
Audience members can create their own series of three or more performances for 10% off. UGA Presents single tickets start at just $30 with promo code PAC30, and UGA student tickets are $15.
Information about accessibility and venue amenities is available on the PAC website. Parking is free.
To learn more about all UGA Performing Arts Center events, visit pac.uga.edu.
