The Reykjavík Male Choir
The Reykjavik Male Choir (formerly known as The Icelandic Singers) was founded in 1926 by the Icelandic composer and conductor, Sigurdur Thórdarson. Under his leadership, the choir established itself as one of the pillars of the newborn Icelandic musical society. In the early years the choir played an important role in Iceland’s struggle for independence as it performed Icelandic music by the early Icelandic composers to lyrics that praised Iceland and everything that was Icelandic.
The Reykjavik Male Choir consists of approximately 70 singers, mostly amateur singers of different backgrounds and professions - united in the joy of singing. The choir has always taken pride in providing a high standard of performing, which the choir strives to maintain by hiring outstanding conductors, vocal trainers, soloists and accompanying musicians. The Reykjavik Male Choir gives annual concerts in Reykjavik for its devoted supporters. Furthermore the choir frequently tours Iceland giving concerts throughout the country. Since 1935, the Reykjavik Male Choir has toured several countries such as Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, The Faeroe Islands, the United States, Canada, Russia, Africa, Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Scotland, Italy, Slovenia, France, Spain, Portugal, Israel and China. In December 2004, the choir will go on a concert tour to Britain performing, for example, in London and Canterbury. The repertoire at the concerts in Britain will include various Icelandic and international Christmas carols and other music relating to the joyful Season of Christmas.
The conductor
Fridrik S. Kristinsson was born in 1961 in Stykkisholmur, a village on the west coast of Iceland. He started his musical studies at the local music school and went on to study organ at the Music Conservatory of the Church of Iceland. Furthermore, he studied singing at The Reykjavik Conservatory of Singing, graduating in 1987 both as a soloist and vocal teacher. Fridrik has conducted The Reykjavik Male Choir since 1990. He has proven himself to be worthy successor of the “Great Two” conductors of the past, Sigurdur Thórdarson and Páll Pampichler Pálsson. In addition, he has conducted The Boys’ Choir of Reykjavik of Hallgrímur Church (the largest church in Iceland) for the last ten years.
The accompanist
Anna Gudný Gudmundsdóttir, pianist, was born in Reykjavik. She graduated from The Music Conservatory in Reykjavik and continued her postgraduate studies at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, majoring in chamber music and the accompaniment of vocalists. She has worked in Iceland over the last 20 years, and has performed, for example, as a soloist with The Icelandic Symphony Orchestra in piano concertos by Mozart, Beethoven and Poulenc. Anna Gudný has given a vast number of chamber concerts in Iceland and abroad, both as a soloist and a member of chamber orchestras. She has, furthermore, made a several recordings throughout the years. Presently, she is a teacher at The Music Conservatory in Reykjavik and freelance pianist with, among others, The Icelandic Symphony Orchestra. Anna Gudny has been an accompanist with the Reykjavik Male Choir on a regular basis since 1990 and made CD recordings with them.
