MIRI release concert, with Bergur Ebbi, Loja and Snorri Helgason
27 August 2010
 Miri threw a release concert at the Culture House on Friday evening 27 August. This was the band’s second release concert for the album Okkar (Our). The first concert was held in Seyðisfjörður in East Iceland, as the band members live there.
The concert in the capital was splendid, with musicians Bergur Ebbi Benediktsson, Snorri Helgason and Loji Höskuldsson adding their unique sound before Miri took the stage. The sound editor, Curver Thoroddsen, performed with the band along with other guest players.
This was Miri’s last concert for the time being as the drummer heads for Denmark in the beginning of September.
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Reykjavík Jazz Festival at the Culture House
14/18/20/22 August 2010
 Reykjavík Jazz Festival was held at numerous venues, one of which was the Culture House. Four concerts, along with the Opening Ceremony, took place here at the Culture House:
Pianist Agnar Már Magnússon’s trio paid tribute to one of the most influential pianists in jazz history; Bill Evans. Three renowned guest vocalists performed at the concert: Kristjana Stefánsdóttir, Ragnheiður Gröndal and Ragnar Bjarnason.
Pianist Django Bates played his own compositions.
Pianist Jean Marie Machado did a solo set and led a band of some of the finest practising jazz players in Iceland through some of his charts.
Ástvaldur Zenki Traustason, piano player, debuted music from his first CD, Hymnasýn. Þorgrímur Jónsson played bass and Scott McLemore played the drums.
The official website of the Reykjavík Jazz Festival is here: http://www.reykjavikjazz.is/wp/
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Fun-filled Culture Night
21 August 2010
 The Culture House was busy all day and night on Culture Night as people flocked to the varied concerts and exhibitions. As always on Culture Night there was free entry to exhibitions and events.
There were five concerts in all: The song group Blikandi stjörnur (Twinkling Stars) performed Icelandic popular songs. Classical guitarists Svanur Vilbergsson and Priska Weibel gave a concert. They form the duo Mosana and played music from the baroque, classical and romantic periods along with a contemporary piece. The song group Spectrum, along with singer Ingveldur Ýr, sang popular international and Icelandic songs. The band Föruneytið (the Fellowship) performed original compositions along with well known Westman Islands songs. The renowned jazz and folk singer Ragnheiður Gröndal sang Icelandic folk songs in original arrangements by the accompanying band's members.
The café was busy as well. It provides a quiet refuge in the midst of all the rattle. The Culture House thanks everyone for stopping by.
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Laxness and the Latter-Day Saints: Facts Behind the Novel of Paradísarheimt
17 August 2010
 On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the publication of Halldór Laxness’s Paradise Reclaimed (Paradísarheimt), Professor Fred E. Woods gave a lecture about Hallór Laxness’s visits to the United States, his study of the Mormon faith and the writing of the novel Paradise Reclaimed here at the Culture House on August 17 2010.
Fred has studied the Icelandic Mormons and their emigration to Utah extensively and thought courses on the subject at the University of Iceland. Fred E. Woods completed a B.S. degree in Psychology (1981) and an MS degree in International Relations (1985) from Brigham Young University. In 1991 he earned a Ph.D. in Middle East Studies from the University of Utah with an emphasis on the Hebrew Bible. He taught at Rick College (now BYU-Idaho) from 1993-1998 and has been a professor in the department of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University for the past decade. In 2005, Woods published Fire and Ice, a history of the Mormon faith in Iceland and the experiences of Icelandic immigrants to Utah.
Professor Woods wrapped the lecture up with performing his own song and lyrics entitled Paradísarheimt, which he wrote inspired by his findings on the subject of Laxness’ interest in the Mormon religion and the people that were converted and became Latter-Day Saints.
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National Museum Day at the Culture House
11. júlí 2010
 The National Museum Day was held Sunday 11 July. Many museums and exhibition centres celebrate the day annually and the Culture House offered free entry all day. The café and shop were open, offering Icelandic specialities for sale. Families were especially welcomed on this day as there were continuous screenings of films for children and a nature film for the entire family.
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Hymnodia sacra – album release concert
8 July 2010
 Chamber quire Carmina held a free album release concert at the Culture House on Thursday 8 July. Carmina subsequently travelled to Germany with their programme of music from the CDs Melodia and Hymnodia Sacra.
The album Hymnodia sacra contains songs from a manuscript with the same title, from 1742. On the CD Carmina is accompanied by the chamber group Nordic Affect. Carmina received the Icelandic Music Award in 2008 for its album with music from the Icelandic manuscript Melodia, and the album was also selected one of the month’s featured publications in the renowned British music magazine Gramophone.
Hymnodia sacra is based on research done by Árni Heimir Ingólfsson, musicologist, who also directs Carmina and writes the prologue in the accompanying brochure. The album is last in a series of three albums issued through the efforts of Árni Heimir and Bad Taste inc., with the aim to introduce music from Icelandic manuscripts to modern listeners. The first album in the series was Tvísöngur (2004) and the second was Melodia (2007).
The manuscript Hymnodia sacra was written by rev. Guðmundur Högnason in 1742. It counts 101 songs with notes which makes it Iceland’s largest preserved music notes manuscript from the 18th century and a valuable source on music culture in the country at that time.
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Six writers – two tongues: a reading in Slovenian and Icelandic
25 June 2010
 Three Slovenian writers visited Iceland in end of June on a grant from the Centre for Slovenian Literature and The Slovenian Book Agency. The visit results from past cooperation between Icelandic and Slovenian writers regarding translations of poems and texts, supported by Literature Across Frontiers (LAF) of the European Union. The writers met with the Icelandic writers here at the Culture House and all of them read their own texts as well as their translations of the texts of the others.
The Slovenian writers were: Brane Mozetic, Suzana Tratnik and Marjana Moskric. The Icelandic writers were: Þórunn Valdimarsdóttir, Sigurður Pálsson and Böðvar Björnsson. The reading was open to all and Kristín Ómarsdóttir was the facilitator.
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da capo – Vox feminae in concert and exhibition
19 June 2010
 The women’s quire, Vox feminae, gathered at the Culture House on national Women’s Rights Day, 19 June, too hold a concert and open an exhibition with memorabilia from the quire’s operation. The occasion was the publication of the book da capo, which mainly comprises portrait photographs of the women in the quire along with memoirs of their participation in the quire’s operation and reflections on the role the singing has had in their lives. The book comes with a CD with a selection of songs from the quire’s formerly published CD’s.
The director of the quire from the onset; Margrét J. Pálmadóttir, lead the concert. The women sang in the lobby where the sound is amplified so that the music fills the house, and also in the Library Room where the acoustics are very beautiful as well.
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Open meeting on human rights
16 June 2010
 On the occasion of the visit of the United Nation’s human rights representative, ms. Navanethem Pillay’s, to Iceland, the Foreign Ministry, in cooperation with the Icelandic Human Rights Centre and University of Iceland Human Rights Institute, held an open meeting on the improvement and protection of human rights at the Culture House on Wednesday 16 June.
Programme:
Address by Össur Skarphéðinsson, minister of foreign affairs
Navanethem Pillay, United Nation’s human rights representative, talked about the UN’s role in improving and protecting human rights
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From the Gates of Hell to the Courts of Europe
2 June 2010
 Nordic Affect Chamber Group performed at Reykjavík Art Festival with a concert here at the Culture House on 2 June.
The concert comprised 18th century music from the courts and concert halls of Europe, in combination with Icelandic literature from the same period. Nordic Affect assembled a feast of music and words, spanning musical masterpieces to 18th century recipes and poetry.
Musicians performing at the concert were: Halla Steinunn Stefánsdóttir baroque violin, Guðrún Hrund Harðardóttir baroque viola, Hanna Loftsdóttir baroque cello, Georgia Browne traverso and Guðrún Óskarsdóttir harpsichord.
Narrator: Guðni Tómasson historian and radio personality.
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Christina Sunley on her book: The Tricking of Freya
31 May 2010
 Ugla Publishing and Iceland National League hosted a reading and discussion of the novel; The Tricking of Freya, here at the Culture House. The author, Christina Sunley, presented the book herself, explained how it came into being and her relations to Iceland and answered questions.
Christina Sunley is an American of Icelandic descent. Her book was published in 2008 and received critical acclaim. In 2009 it came out in Icelandic translation by Þórdís Bachmann under the title; Freyjuginning. The story takes place in Iceland and among the descendants of Icelandic settlers in Canada. In many ways it is a story about an immigrant community and the experience of living far from one’s homeland. How have the Icelandic immigrants at Gimli remained connected to their Icelandic heritage?
Christina travels Iceland during the visit. She will appear at ReykjavíkurAkademian here in the capital, at Skriðuklaustur in East Iceland and at the regional library in Akureyri in North Iceland.
The programme was in both Icelandic and English, as Christina has been studying Icelandic for some time now.
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Radical writer visited
30 May 2010
 The writer Susan Abulhawa spoke at an open meeting hosted by Forlagið Publishing Co. and the Association Iceland – Palestine here at the Culture House on Sunday 30 May. Susan Abulhawa was in Iceland on the occasion of her novel, Mornings in Jenin, being published in an Icelandic translation. She introduced her book, its subject matter and the research and experience it is based on. The story is that of a Palestinian family in great distress, spanning three generations from the 1940ies onward. Susan also talked about her work for the people of Jenin, herself being the child of Palestinian refugees.
Susan Abulhawa was very warmly received by the audience.
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New art display: Kúlan starts to play
21 May 2010
 Textile designer Bryndís Bolladóttir displays her latest product; kúlan, or the ball, at the art show in the Culture House shop and café. The display forms part of a series of art shows by contemporary Icelandic artists.
Kúlan (the ball) is made of Icelandic felted wool. It takes on different functions, such as; hanger, toy, tablemat, decor, stool and sound absorber.
Bryndís Bolladóttir graduated from the art division of Breiðholt College and then proceeded to the textile department of Iceland Academy of the Arts, receiving her degree in 1999. She has also studied at Konstfack art school in Sweden.
See further information on Bryndís Bolladóttir and her work on her website: www.bryndisbolladottir.com.
The exhibition will be on view from 21 May into August. |
Ignacio Rodes – solo guitar concert
2 May 2010
 The world renowned Spanish guitarist Ignacio Rodes played a solo concert in the Culture House on Sunday 2 May. The concert was held in cooperation between Iceland Academy of the Arts, Erasmus Programme, the Spanish Consulate in Iceland and the Culture House and the admission was free.
Ignacio Rodes played 20th century pieces by a few fellow countrymen of his under the title: The Guitar in the Times of the Poet Miguel Hernández (1910 – 1942).
Rodes is generally regarded among the finest guitarists of his generation in the world and has universally received critical acclaim for his performances. The audience left the hall with a thankful heart.
It is worth mentioning that Rodes thought an open Master Class at the Iceland Academy of the Arts the day before, Saturday 1 May.
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In the Light of Tomorrow – Sigurður A. Magnússon; the opening ceremony
24 April 2010
 Many were gathered in the Library Room of the Culture House on Saturday 24 April to celebrate to opening of the exhibition In the Light of Tomorrow – Sigurður A. Magnússon. The exhibition draws forth the fruits of Sigurður’s labour through the years, with emphasis on his career as a writer, critic, translator and activist.
Markús Örn Antonsson, director of the Culture House, greeted visitors with a short speech and introduced other speakers; Dr. Gauti Kristmannsson, Docent of translation studies, Dr. Ástráður Eysteinsson, Professor of Literature, Jóhanna K. Eyjólfsdóttir, director of Amnesty International in Iceland and Pétur Gunnarsson, writer and president of the Writer’s Union. Each of them addressed the works of Sigurður in their field; Gauti spoke of the translator, Ástráður of the author, Jóhanna of the activist and Pétur of Sigurður’s effort to unite writers in a single union after years of division. Rósa Guðný Þórsdóttir, actress, read texts by Sigurður, selected by Gauti and Ástráður.
Ólafur J. Engilbertsson designed the exhibition and the accompanying brochure. The exhibition will be on view until 15 January 2011.
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Mozart plus ... Schnittke
27 Marck 2010
 Reykjavik Chamber Orchestra held a concert, with the above title, at the Culture House on Saturday 27 March.
On the programme were two pieces by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart; Oboe quartet in F major and Piano quartet in E flat major along with the piece Moz-Art by Alfred Schnittke and his Piano quartet inspired by Gustav Mahler’s childhood piece. Thus the Reykjavik Chamber Orchestra played classical Mozart pieces against works by one of the finest modern composers; Alfred Schnittke, in which he lets the great masters, Mahler and Mozart, infuse his work. Pianist Sebastiano Brusco of Rome, Italy, made a special appearance at the concert.
The Chamber Orchestra had on this occasion the following performers: Una Sveinbjarnardóttir, violin, Matthías Nardeau, oboe, Guðrún Hrund Harðardóttir, viola, Sigurgeir Agnarsson and Margrét Árnadóttir, cello, Richard Korn, contrabass, Katie Buckley, harp, Guðrún Óskarsdóttir, harpsichord, and Anna Guðný Guðmundsdóttir, piano.
The performance was excellent and the Library Room provided an apt setting.
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Oh, Sick Life – photographs by Melkorka Huldudóttir
15 March 2010
 A new show is up in the art exhibition series in the Culture Shop and Café. Melkorka Huldudóttir (b. 1972) displays photographs from her series Oh, Sick Life. The series conveys images from the hazy state of awaking, and from nightmares and dreams.
Melkorka graduated from Iceland Academy of the Arts in 2002. She applies all kinds of mediums in her art but her work is to a large extent under the influence of computer games and movies. In her work she often addresses various faults with tension and gloom lurking below the surface.
The exhibition will be on view into May and is accessible without paying the entrance fee. It is open during operating hours, or every day of the week from 11 am to 5 pm.
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A ceremony in memory of consul Neil Bardal
25 February 2010
 Thursday 25 February the Icelandic National League held a ceremony here at the Culture House to commemorate its honorary member; Neil Ofeigur Bardal who passed away in Winnipeg on 13 February. Neil Bardal was dedicated to facilitating increasing interaction between Iceland and the descendants of Icelandic emigrants in North America. He had gained an honourable reputation for his efforts in this direction both here in Iceland and in his home country.
The following speakers shared their memories of their personal friendship with Neil: Almar Grímsson, president of INL, Guðrún Jónsdóttir, Neil’s relative, and former consuls for Iceland in Winnipeg, Eiður S. Guðnason and Svavar Gestsson. The following musicians performed in between speakers: Hjörleifur Valsson, violinist, Elín Elísabet Einarsdóttir who sang and played guitar, Elín Ósk Óskarsdóttir, singer, and Hjörtur Ingvi Jóhannsson, pianist.
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All that disappears
14 February 2010
 Ragnheiður Gröndal, Sigurður Flosason, Egill Ólafsson, Kjartan Valdemarsson and Matthías Hemstock performed in concert at the Culture House on Sunday evening 14 February. On the programme was new music by Sigurður Flosason to poems by Aðalsteinn Ásberg Sigurðsson. The music is from their new CD, Það sem hverfur – All that disappears, which was released recently and received critical acclaim.
The concert was a success and left the audience and with a feeling of joyous remembrance of times gone by.
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Magnificent Museum Night
12 February
 The Culture House participated in Museum Night on Friday 12 February along with 34 other museums and culture centres in the capital area. Exhibitions, café and shop were open from 19:00 – 24:00 and guests could enjoy and partake in the following events:
AUTHOR UNKOWN
Words from hundreds of rhymes by unknown authors at hand for guests to rearrange at will. Programme led by Þorvaldur Þorsteinsson, writer and artist.
ICELANDERS – Icelanders is a newly opened exhibition of photographs by Sigurgeir Sigurjónsson from his book of the same name, with texts by writer Unnur Jökulsdóttir. Unnur was present in the exhibition to talk about the photographs and the book. She was joined by two ladies and the three of them played a few songs on their accordions.
ICELAND::FILM – 11th screen. Premiere.
On the occasion of the prolongation of the ICELAND::FILM exhibition to autumn, the 11th screen was added to the exhibition on Museum Night, showing clips from the movies The Good Heart, Sunshine Boy, Country Wedding and White Night Wedding. Wine Bar and visitors from the movie industry. In cooperation with the Icelandic Film Centre.
 ÓLÖF ARNALDS – Solo Concert
This acclaimed artist performed in an intimate concert near the close of the opening time and was very well received.
Museum Night turned out well, with happy visitors letting themselves be pulled into the various distractions on offer. This was the fifth Museum Night held in Reykjavík and the one attended by the most visitors, here at the Culture House at least.
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The opening of the photographic exhibition Icelanders
2 February 2010
 Icelanders, an exhibition of a selection of photographs from the book of the same name by author Unnur Jökulsdóttir and photographer Sigurgeir Sigurjónsson, was opened 2 February. Markús Örn Antonsson, director of the Culture House, and Unnur Jökulsdóttir welcomed and addressed guests at the opening. Both spoke, among other things, of expected school visits as the majority of visitors over the winter months are students on study visits.
The book Icelanders was published in 2004 in four language versions – Icelandic, English, German and French. It was very well received both in Iceland and abroad and nominated for the Icelandic Literary Award.
Unnur and Sigurgeir set out to capture the spirit of the Icelandic nation in words and images: they travelled all over the country for two years, visiting people, talking to them and taking photographs. They found that there are two nations living in Iceland – the city-dwellers, and the people who live in the regions: those who live on remote headlands and upland crofts, in isolated valleys and fjords far from the beaten path. These people are attuned to the land and its nature, moulded by their environment. And these were the people who captured their imagination, and became the subject of the book.
The exhibition will be on view until 16 January 2011.
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Ólöf Arnalds in concert: premiere of songs from her upcoming album
23 January 2010
 Saturday evening, 23 January, singer Ólöf Arnalds held a concert here at the Culture House. Ólöf performed songs to be released on her upcoming album; Innundir Skinni. Davíð Þór Jónsson accompanied Ólöf at the concert and opened the programme with some of his own music. This was a one-off event, as she is not planning similar live performances in the near future.
Innundir Skinni has a greater variety of arrangements and uses more instruments than heard on Ólöf’s debut album; Við og Við. Musicians Davíð Þór Jónsson and Skúli Sverrisson and others accompany Ólöf on the new album, which will in all likelihood be released this spring.
Tickets sold out and the atmosphere was both cosy and festive.
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