Music career

A flourishing musical career

Since the church's inauguration in 1986, Hallgrímskirkja has been a venue for an ambitious musical life. Special emphasis is placed on church music, artistic quality, innovation, diversity, and collaboration with Icelandic and foreign artists. In recent years, emphasis has been placed on collaboration with cultural institutions, including the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, the Reykjavík Chamber Orchestra, the Brák Baroque Orchestra, the Iceland Academy of the Arts, Iceland airwaves, Myrka músíkdagi and Óperudagi.

The church's concert schedule is divided into four parts: Winter & Spring, Organ Summer, Autumn in Hallgrímskirkja, and Advent & Christmas. On average, approximately 40 concerts are held annually in the church, with an attendance of around 10,000.

Three employees are involved in the planning and management of the musical activities at Hallgrímskirkja in addition to the churchwarden and churchwardens. Björn Steinar Sólbergsson, organist and music director of Hallgrímskirkja, Steinar Logi Helgason, choirmaster and organist, and Sólbjörg Björnsdóttir, concert and publicity director.

Innovation and new compositions

Innovation has always been a guiding light in the church's musical work. A number of composers have composed works for the church, including choral works, organ works, but also larger works for choir, soloists and orchestra. It is worth mentioning that new works have been commissioned that will be premiered this year (2025) by Finn Karlsson, Arngerður Mária Árnadóttir, Hugi Guðmundsson, Hildigunn Rúnarsdóttir, Hreiðar Inga Þorsteinsson, Daníel Þorsteinsson, Bára Grímsdóttir and Ingibjörg Ýr Skarphéðinsdóttir.

It is expected that around 400 performers will perform at concerts organized by Hallgrímskirkja for the remainder of 2024, including; Hallgrímskirkja Choir, Reykjavík Chamber Orchestra, Brák Baroque Band, Umbra ensemble as well as a number of Icelandic and foreign organists, singers and instrumentalists.

National Shrine at Holtin

Hallgrímskirkja is often called the national shrine in Holtin. It is the place where the nation gathers for various occasions, both in joy and sorrow. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, with an estimated 20% of tourists who come to Iceland visiting the church. Hallgrímskirkja has a unique position for many reasons. Due to its design, location and as one of the main churches in the country.

Hallgrímskirkja is a place of worship, a tourist attraction and a concert hall. Great expectations are placed on the church as a concert venue, and concertgoers have been able to take for granted that the musical performances are of the highest quality. Hallgrímskirkja has always made great efforts to serve this role, where diverse and elegant church music is played and leading musicians perform.

Program of previous years

Can be inserted as a pdf