Five classical musicians with extraordinary imagination, virtuosic technique, and an unexpected interpretation of one of the most influential rock albums of the twenty-first century—the string quintet Wooden Elephant—will present their version of Radiohead’s iconic Kid A in Sofia this September, breaking down the boundaries between musical genres. The concert promises to be one of the highlights of the new musical season.

Wooden Elephant, already renowned as one of the boldest ensembles on the international music scene, will arrive in Sofia immediately after their appearance at the prestigious Verbier Festival in Switzerland. The ensemble includes Bulgarian cellist Stefan Hadjiev, a graduate of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London, who has performed on some of the world’s most renowned stages and moves effortlessly between classical, experimental, and electronic music.

On stage, he will be joined by violist Ian Anderson, who created the arrangements, violinists Aoife Ní Bhriain and Hulda Jónsdóttir, and double bassist Nikolai Matthews.

At the turn of the millennium, Radiohead revolutionized popular music with Kid A, boldly replacing their signature guitar riffs with experimental electronics. Despite disappointing some of their fans, the album has gone down in history as one of the most daring ideas in modern music. A quarter of a century later, it comes to life once again as a work for string ensemble—this time without electronics or samples, but infused with the spirit of classical music. The electronic sounds are reimagined entirely acoustically through techniques drawn from contemporary and avant-garde music.

Wooden Elephant’s album LANDSCAPES, KNIVES & GLUE / Radiohead’s Kid A Recycled, released in 2021, received critical acclaim from the British press. In an official Apple Music review, it was described as an exceptionally inventive and imaginative interpretation—a sonic masterpiece. Ian Anderson’s arrangements, developed through his work with Radiohead, employ a wide range of unconventional techniques influenced by contemporary music.

The Sofia programme will also feature Steve Reich’s Electric Counterpoint, originally written for electric guitar and frequently performed by Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood.

Wooden Elephant will perform on 11 September 2026 at the Concert Hall of the Military Club in Sofia (7 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd.). Tickets will go on sale on 1 July.

On 12 September 2026, Wooden Elephant will perform in Pomorie, presenting Björk: Homogenic. In this project, the quintet transforms the iconic album by the Icelandic artist Björk into a unique acoustic experience.

Wooden Elephant’s visit to Bulgaria is organized by Sofia Art Institute and the “Pomorie and Friends” Festival.

Part of the “WORLD STARS” Series.