Older news 2010

A few Songs and a Sonata

22 December 2010

Wednesday evening, 22 December, three young musicians held a concert in the Library Room; Júlía Traustadóttir, soprano, Sólrún Gunnarsdóttir, violinist, and Matthildur Gísladóttir, pianist. The repertoire held a song cycle by Claude Debussy; Ariettes oubliées, to lyrics by Paul Verlaine, Sonata for violin and piano by Maurice Ravel, songs from Ralph Vaughan-Williams’ song cycle, Eight Houseman Songs, for voice and violin and three songs by Richard Strauss, Schlagende Herzen, Allerseelen and Zueignung.

The artists have studied music in London for some time, Júlía graduates with BMus (Hons) degree from Royal College of Music next spring, Sólrún has finished her Masters as a violinist from Trinity College and Matthildur has studied piano accompaniment at the Royal Academy of Music.

There was no entrance fee and many welcomed this generous offer and attended.

Photograph: Sárka Veronika

The band ADHD held a Christmas Concert at the Culture House

19 December 2010

To celebrate the Christmas Season the band ADHD held a concert at the Culture House, just like it did last year when its CD had just been released.

Eyþór Gunnarsson performed as a mystery guest, not knowing himself that he would go on stage on this occasion! In addition Rúnar Georgsson played with the band.

ADHD band members are: Óskar Guðjónsson saxophones, Ómar Guðjónsson guitars and basses, Davíð Þór Jónsson Hammond organ, Moogs, Rhodes, piano, bass, and Magnús Trygvason Eliassen drums.

Folk tales with female heroes – a publication party and an exhibition opened

11 December 2010

Sjáðu svarta rassinn minn – which literally means See my Black Ass – is the title of a newly published book by two sisters; Brynhildur and Þórey Mjallhvít Heiðar- og Ómarsdóttir. In the book Brynhildur retells a few folk tales where women and girls are the central characters who confront the dark forces and overcome them. Þórey Mjallhvít painted the pictures in the book. Together they have mounted an exhibition at the Culture House with pictures from the book and odds and ends from Icelandic folk heritage.

On the occasion of the opening of the exhibition and the publication of the new book, the publisher Æskan held a reception at the Culture House on Saturday 11 December. There was music, refreshments and a reading from the book. Also children could participate in a contest for the best drawing of a “life-force egg” – an egg which, according to folklore, preserves the life-force of i.e. a troll, so that breaking the egg will kill the troll. The winners will be announced on 16 December and the price is the book Sjáðu svarta rassinn minn and other books from the publisher.

Turmoil at the Culture House – the exhibition has been extended

3 / 8 December 2010

Turmoil, an exhibition with works by students of Textile, Drawing and Sculpture at the Reykjavík School of Visual Art, was opened on Friday 3 December. The exhibition was to be on view for only four days but has now been extended until Friday 17 December.

The students of Textile, Drawing or Sculpture receive a Diploma after two years of study. The programme is offered in cooperation with The Technical College Reykjavik. The programme emphasizes the distinctiveness of the country’s culture, history and nature. The students acquire knowledge of international production possibilities through the departments’ cooperation with domestic and international companies.

The exhibition Turmoil reflects the diversity of the materials, methods and ideas the students have been tackling this semester, ranging from Celtic wrappings, intestines and damask weaves.

Gunnar Gunnarsson – release concert for Gnótt

2 December 2010

Thursday evening, 2 December, pianist Gunnar Gunnarsson held a concert in the Library Room of the Culture House, on the occasion of the release of his new CD Gnótt (Abundance). Bassist Tómas R. Einarsson and guitarist Ómar Guðjónsson accompanied Gunnar at the concert. The trio played songs from the new CD along with songs Gunnar has previously recorded. Gunnar arranges the songs himself, many of which are well known and much loved here in Iceland.

Students at Reykjavík Conservatorium of Music performed in concert

27 November 2010

Reykjavík Conservatorium of Music holds a number of concerts each year and this year, its 80th anniversary, is certainly no exception. The Conservatorium holds a series of concerts in the Library Room of the Culture House this winter. The second in the series was held Saturday 27 November. The concert was entitled Romanticism and the repertoire held various pieces by the masters of the romantic period. A virtuoso for violin by Paganini, duet songs by Mendelssohn and Brahms and songs by Grieg and Spohr, were played, along with a piano quintet by Schumann and the ever popular Trout quintet by Schubert, to name a few.

All of the performers are students at Reykjavík Conservatorium of Music. The concert was open to all and there was no entry fee.

Svavar Knútur and Songs for my Grandmother

25 November 2010

On the occasion of singer-songwriter Svavar Knútur releasing his new CD; Songs for my Grandmother (Amma), he held a concert at the Culture House on 25 November. He performed some favourite Icelandic folk and traditional songs he recorded for the CD at a living room concert in his publisher’s home in October. He dedicates the album to his grandmothers, as the songs have been around for a while and have been sung by senior generations. All but one of the songs are arranged by Svavar Knútur himself, who plays the guitar or ukulele and sings.

There was free admission for all grandmothers!

Reykjavík Conservatorium of Music concert series

7 and 14 November 2010

Reykjavík Conservatorium of Music celebrates its 80th anniversary this year. Special Anniversary concerts were held at the Culture House on Sundays 7 and 14 November.

The repertoire held diverse pieces that relate to the history of the Conservatorium. The works at the former concert were written by composers that either studied or taught at the Conservatorium from 1930 – 1970 and the latter concert had to do with the years 1970 – 2010. Most performers are teachers at the Conservatorium.

To name a few of the pieces, there were piano works by Páll Ísólfsson, Snorri Sigfús Birgisson and Þorkell Sigurbjörnsson, a violin piece by Jón Nordal, clarinet sonata by Jón Þórarinsson and songs by Árni Björnsson, Jón Ásgeirsson and Gunnsteinn Ólafsson.

Arndís Björk Ásgeirsdóttir introduced the pieces and gave insight into the history of the Conservatorium.

The concert was open to all and there was no entry fee.

New exhibition opened; Guðmundur and the Sami people

30 October 2010

The exhibition Guðmundur and the Sami people was opened 30 October. Markús Örn Antonsson, director of the Culture House, welcomed guests and Aldís Yngvadóttir, Guðmundur’s grandchild, gave a short speech and opened the exhibition.

The exhibition Guðmundur and the Sami people chiefly holds watercolours by Guðmundur Einarsson from Miðdalur, whereas an oil painting and a chalk drawing by him, along with an assortment of items related to the Samis, are also displayed. The pictures stem from Guðmundur’s travels in Lapland in the 1950s. The exhibition will be on view until 28 November 2010.

The exhibition is part of a Nordic Art Festival; ting, that commenced 28 October.

See further information on the display under Exhibitions on the menu on this homepage.

Students at Reykjavík Conservatorium of Music performed in concert

30 October 2010

Reykjavík Conservatorium of Music holds a number of concerts each year and this year, its 80th anniversary, is certainly no exception. The Conservatorium will hold a series of four concerts in the Library Room of the Culture House this season. The first in the series was held Saturday 30 October. The concert was entitled Classics and the repertoire consisted of chamber pieces by the classical masters Haydn, Beethoven and Mozart. A solo piece for piano by Mozart was also on the programme along with two Scherzos by Chopin. Incidentally the year 2010 is Chopin’s 200th anniversary.

All of the performers are students at Reykjavík Conservatorium of Music. The concerts in the series are open to all and there is no entry fee. The remaining three concerts will be held on 7, 14 and 27 November.

Everything but Bach; Halla Steinunn Stefánsdóttir in solo concert

26 October 2010

Halla Steinunn Stefánsdóttir baroque violinist held a concert in the Culture House on 26 October. The repertoire was entitled Everything but Bach and included works by Telemann, Biber, Vilsmayr and Baltzar, among others. Halla Steinunn not only played the music but she also told stories about the composers and their compositions. She, furthermore, premiered a new piece she had commissioned from María Huld Markan Sigfúsdóttir who is best known for her work with the band amiina. María Huld’s piece is called Sleeping pendulum and is written for baroque violin and electronic sounds.

Halla Steinunn is the artistic director of the chamber group Nordic Affect and the concert belongs to a series of events NoA holds in the Culture House.

Paintings by Þrándur Þórarinsson at the Café

29 September 2010

Þrándur Þórarinsson (b. 1978) studied painting with the renowned Norwegian artist Odd Nerdrum who lived here in Iceland for a period of time. Þrándur had earlier studied at the Iceland Academy of the Arts and at Akureyri Art School.

Þrándur often looks for motives in Icelandic history, folk tales and the sagas, inspired by the spirit of national romanticism, as well as baroque and renaissance.

Þrándur’s exhibition will be on view through November and is part of a series of art exhibitions at the Culture House shop and café.

Annual Icelandic National League of Iceland Þing/Conference

17 September 2010

Icelandic National League (INL) of Iceland held its annual conference here at the Culture House on Friday, 17 September. The INL aims at facilitating understanding and cooperation between Icelanders in Iceland and abroad, and connecting Icelanders with people of Icelandic descent, outside Iceland, especially in North-America. The programme reflected these aims:

• Almar Grímsson, chairman of the board of INL, opened the programme and introduced the speakers
• Hrannar Björn Arnarson, assistant to the Prime Minister, gave Prime Minister’s of Iceland, Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, address in her absence
• Sólveig Pétursdóttir, chairman of the committee on Jón Sigurðsson’s bicentenary, talked about the festivities in 2011
• Gail Einarson McCleery, president of INL of North America, gave a talk
• Eric Stefanson, former minister in Manitoba, Canada, and member of the board of INL, spoke about the experience from the operation of INL since its reawakening in 1997
• David Gislason, presented material from his book “The Fifth Dimension” which contains his translations of well-known Icelandic poems along with his own poetry
• The Reykjavík Boys Quire sang a few songs, directed by Friðrik S. Kristinsson

During the recess several versions of the Icelandic national costume were shown as a few women, along with a man and a child, promenaded among the guests.

• Pam Olafson Furstenau gave an address on the Icelandic heritage in North-Dakota
• Rev. Bragi Skúlason spoke about his work in North-Dakota
• INL youth operations:
Snorri West: Alexía Björg Jóhannesdóttir
Gimli Summer Camp: Brad Hirst

At the end of the programme Steinþór Guðbjartsson, journalist at Morgunblaðið and former editor of Lögberg-Heimskringla, was presented with an honorary award. Finally, guests were invited to partake of some refreshments offered by the Prime Minister’s Office.

The conference was well attended as usual.

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.

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/

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.