1 Music: Iceland
Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall
A new addition to Reyjavik’s cultural landscape, Harpa opened its doors earlier this month as the new home of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and The Icelandic Opera, with a façade designed by Olafur Eliasson and Henning Larsen Architects. This weekend, Harpa will host an open house with guided tours and performances by electronic band Apparat Organ Quartet and a selection of works by Fostbræder men’s choir. Bring the kids on Sunday for Harpa’s Children’s Festival.
Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre, Austurstræti 17, Reykjavik, Iceland [en.harpa.is] (http://en.harpa.is)
2 Exhibition: Tokyo
Jun Igarashi 'The construction of a state'
The TOTO Gallery MA in Tokyo will present work by groundbreaking Japanese architect Jun Igarashi who specialises in minimalist domestic buildings tailored to the bitter winters of his native Hokkaido. The show is Igarashi’s first solo exhibition and will feature models of 18 important works. A book, The Construction of a State, featuring all of the architect’s designs from finished buildings to unrealised projects and competition proposals, will accompany the show.
TOTO Gallery MA, Nogizaka Building, Minato-ku, Tokyo. Open daily 11.00 – 18.00 (Friday until 19.00, closed Sunday and Monday). Until 9 July
[toto.co.jp/gallerma] (http://toto.co.jp/gallerma)
3 Film: US
L'amour fou
Pierre Thoretton’s directorial debut is a stylish look back at the life and half-a-century career of French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. The documentary is recorded against the backdrop of the Christie’s auction of YSL’s art collection in 2009, and includes interviews with his partner and co-collector Pierre Bergé, models and designer peers, all piecing together a portrait of one of fashion’s greatest minds.
‘L’amour fou’ opens 13 May in New York, and 20 May in Los Angeles and in selected US cities
4 Music: Global
Raphael Saadiq "Stone Rollin"
Raphael Saadiq’s latest solo effort is a brilliant follow-up to 2008’s critically-acclaimed The Way I See It, sticking with the irresistible 1960s Motown sound of the previous record and adding a sexy rockabilly twist to the mix. It’s perfect Sunday music from the most sharply dressed soul man in the industry.
Raphael Saadiq “Stone Rollin’”, available now in the US and UK
[raphaelsaadiq.com] (http://raphaelsaadiq.com)
5 Exhibition: London
Ai Wei Wei
The fact that Ai Weiwei is detained by Chinese authorities – his location unknown – only adds to the poignancy, cultural power and political importance of this show by one of China’s most brilliant and outspoken artists. Opening on Friday 13th, Lisson Gallery has pulled together 13 works from the past six years, persevering with the show despite his capture, and wishing him luck for his release.
Lisson Gallery, 52-54 and 29 Bell Street, London. Open daily 10.00 – 18.00 (Saturday 11.00 – 17.00, closed Sunday). Until 16 July
[lissongallery.com] (http://lissongallery.com)
[freeaiweiwei.org] (http://freeaiweiwei.org)
