ROUND TOWER CLASSICS: Duo MiScha – Folk Music on the Move

Can music reveal layers of history and heritage in the same way as ice? That is what Astrid Mikaelyan and Julie Holmegaard Schade, better known as Duo MiScha, will explore this evening, when they draw inspiration from the current exhibition at the Round Tower to perform classical interpretations of Armenian folk music heritage.

The current exhibition, Refractions of Ice, reveals layers, patterns, and stories through macro photographs of ice, uncovering traces of past climates and humanity’s impact on nature. In the same way, music carries layers of history, heritage, and experience traces of lives that reach far back in time and still resonate today.

The concert interprets the Armenian folk music heritage through classical arrangements. Violinist Astrid Mikaelyan, an Armenian refugee, and accordionist Julie Holmegaard Schade weave together music and stories of loss, longing, and hope. The duo performs with physical presence, expressive gestures, and deep musical sensitivity, allowing the audience to feel Mikaelyan and Schade’s passion for communicating folk elements within classical music.

In this way, the concert creates a strong resonance with the themes of the exhibition; both open up conversations about how we understand our past and take responsibility for the future.

Part of a series

The concert is the third in a series of four, each interpreting one of the Round Tower’s exhibitions throughout 2026, all inspired by light. In 2026, we mark the 350th anniversary of astronomer and former director of the Round Tower, Ole Rømer, and his discovery of the speed of light.

The last concert is on October 29th, when Novo Quartet performes in the towers Library Hall.

About the Musicians

The duo was formed in 2014, united by a shared temperament and playing style, as well as a deep love for communicating folk elements within classical music. They first gained particular attention in 2016 when they won First Prize at the international accordion competition PIF-2016 Castelfidardo in Italy, in Category F (Chamber Music).

Practical Information

Both before and after the concert, guests will have the opportunity to explore the exhibition Refractions of Ice as well as the tower’s permanent exhibition about the world-renowned astronomer Ole Rømer and his groundbreaking discovery of the speed of light.

Refreshments will of course be available, and guests are welcome to explore the spiral walkway or visit the viewing platform at the top of the tower.

Please note that the spoken parts of the event will be in Danish, but the music can be enjoyed by everyone.

The concert is part of the LIGHT YEAR 2026 programme at the Round Tower—a full year dedicated to celebrating light and the 350th anniversary of Ole Rømer’s groundbreaking discovery of the speed of light