We’re hoping to have the following incredible animals participate in the concert:
Bowhead Whale
The iconic Bowhead Whale (Balaena mysticetus), found in Arctic waters, is easily recognisable by its massive heads and mouths, which make up a third of their body length. Adapted to icy waters, they can break through thick sea ice to breathe. Baleen whales, they feed primarily on small crustaceans using continuous ram filtering. They swim forward with their mouths wide open, engulfing large volumes of water containing prey. As the water passes through their baleen plates, they expel excess water while retaining their prey. This allows them to efficiently filter and capture large quantities of food in a single feeding bout. Some individuals are believed to live over 200 years, making them one of the oldest living mammal species.
They produce various calls, similar to humpback whales, and sing complex songs that change annually and seasonally, dominating the acoustic soundscape in Disko Bay from February to late April.
Ringed Seal
The Ringed Seal (Pusa hispida), a common Arctic species, is easily recognisable by its distinctive dark spots surrounded by light rings. These small and abundant seals are adept at creating breathing holes in the ice, a vital skill for survival in the Arctic. They primarily feed on fish and invertebrates, making them a key prey species for larger Arctic predators like polar bears. Ringed seals’ ability to thrive in extreme cold, thanks to their thick fur and blubber, is remarkable. They are also crucial for the cultural and subsistence practices of indigenous communities in the Arctic region, including around Qeqertarsuaq.
Bearded Seal
The Bearded Seal (Erignathus barbatus), an Arctic species found in the waters around Qeqertarsuaq, is easily recognisable by its whiskers and large size. During the breeding season, their vocalisations contribute to the underwater soundscape of Disko Bay. Beyond their ecological role, bearded seals forage for food, primarily benthic prey like clams, squid, and fish, and play a significant role in the cultural life of indigenous communities, providing food and materials.
Minke Whale
The Minke Whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), the smallest baleen whale, can grow up to 10 metres long and weigh around 10 metric tons. Found globally, they’re the most abundant baleen whales. Minke whales have streamlined bodies, distinctive dark back and white undersides, a single ridge, and a pointed rostrum.
They feed on small fish, krill, and plankton using baleen plates. Minke whales are known for their agility and speed. They’re sexually dimorphic, with females being larger than males. They have a gestation period of about 10 months and give birth to a single calf.
Humpback Whale
Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are known for their spectacular behaviours, such as breaching and slapping the water with their fins. They’re easily identified by their long pectoral fins and unique body markings. Humpback whales use complex and melodious songs for communication and mating rituals during winter. Less is known about their vocal behaviour during summer feeding in Greenlandic waters, including Disko Bay. They’re migratory, travelling long distances between feeding and breeding grounds.
Fin Whale
Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), the second-largest baleen whales, are characterised by their streamlined bodies, long slender shapes, and asymmetrical lower jaw colouration. Found in all major oceans, they typically inhabit deep offshore waters but may approach coastal areas during migration or feeding. Known for their swift swimming, they can reach speeds of up to 37 kilometres per hour. Fin whales employ lunge feeding, accelerating towards prey, opening their mouths wide to engulf water and prey, and then filtering the water through their baleen plates to retain their food. Seasonal migrations take them between high-latitude feeding grounds and lower-latitude breeding and calving areas.
Beluga Whale
Beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas), small to medium-sized cetaceans in the Monodontidae family, are easily recognisable by their white colouration and rounded forehead, or ‘melon’, lacking a prominent beak. Found in Arctic and sub-Arctic waters, including coastal areas, estuaries, and deep offshore regions, belugas are highly social animals that form large groups called pods. These pods can include calves, juveniles, and adults. Beluga whales are known for their diverse vocalisations, including whistles, barks, knocks, and screams, as well as echolocating clicks for prey search. Their diet consists mainly of fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods.
Narwhal
Narwhals (Monodon monoceros), members of the Monodontidae family, are known for their distinctive spiral tusks protruding from their upper left jaw. Found in Arctic and sub-Arctic waters, they inhabit coastal areas, estuaries, and deep offshore regions. Narwhals are highly social animals that form large groups called pods. Their tusks, believed to have medicinal properties, are elongated teeth that can grow up to 3 metres long. Endemic to the Arctic, narwhals migrate between inshore fjord habitats in summer and offshore pack-ice habitats in winter. They can dive to depths of up to 1,500 metres to feed on fish, shrimp, and squid. Narwhals are social and long-lived animals that usually travel in small groups, making vocalisations like pulsed calls and whistles.