*DREAMERS’ CIRCUS * 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.