Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Hallgrim's Church Motet Choir is a renowned classical music ensemble based in Reykjavik, Iceland. The choir was founded in 1982 by conductor Hörður Áskelsson, who remains its artistic director to this day. The choir is named after Hallgrimskirkja, a Lutheran church in Reykjavik that is known for its distinctive architecture and stunning acoustics. The choir's repertoire is primarily focused on sacred music, including works by composers such as Bach, Handel, Mozart, and Mendelssohn. The choir has also commissioned and premiered new works by Icelandic composers, including Jón Leifs and Hildigunnur Rúnarsdóttir. The choir's main members are a group of around 30 singers, all of whom are volunteers. Many of the choir's members are professional musicians, including singers, instrumentalists, and music teachers. The choir also collaborates with guest conductors and soloists from around the world. Over the years, the Hallgrim's Church Motet Choir has performed at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls and festivals. In 1994, the choir performed at the Salzburg Festival in Austria, one of the most important classical music festivals in the world. The choir has also performed at the Edinburgh International Festival in Scotland, the Bergen International Festival in Norway, and the Reykjavik Arts Festival in Iceland. One of the choir's most notable performances was its 2005 concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City. The concert, which was part of the choir's first tour of the United States, featured works by Icelandic composers as well as traditional Icelandic folk songs. The concert was well-received by both audiences and critics, with The New York Times praising the choir's "crystalline sound" and "impeccable intonation." In addition to its performances, the Hallgrim's Church Motet Choir has also received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 1991, the choir won first prize in the mixed choir category at the International Choral Competition in Tolosa, Spain. The choir has also been awarded the Icelandic Music Prize, the country's highest honor for musicians, on multiple occasions. Despite its many achievements, the Hallgrim's Church Motet Choir remains committed to its mission of sharing the beauty of sacred music with audiences around the world. The choir continues to perform regularly at Hallgrimskirkja, as well as at other venues in Iceland and abroad. With its impeccable musicianship and unwavering dedication to its craft, the Hallgrim's Church Motet Choir is truly one of the world's great classical music ensembles.

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