The White Falcon - 19.02.1971, Page 8

Page 8
THE WHITE FALCON
February 19, 1971
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ICELAND IN AJ^^^
this week:
at the Nationa^^^^
Symphony Orches-
tra — a first-
rate group that
incorporates the
best from all
worlds,
by QM2
John Getkcr
The Symphony Orchestra of Iceland fulfills numer-
ous roles in the musical and theatrical life of the
nation. The 18 concerts it offers every season from
October through May are only one facet of this com-
plex and varied group. These concerts are held
every other Thursday at the University Theater, a
very modem accordian-like structure adjacent to the
Hotel Saga.
During the spring and fall, the orchestra com-
pletes a busy schedule of trips to all major towns
in Iceland, bringing music to the people since the
group is supported by the state. The orchestra also
breaks into smaller groups and performs in various
schools with the emphasis placed on the elementary
schools in an attempt to
of the world of classical
create an early awareness
music.
Another major sponsor
is the National Theater,
which in return receives
4the symphony's talents
in providing the back-
ground music for musi-
cals, ballets and the
occasional operas.
Iceland has not pro-
duced any composers of
world renown. There is,
however, a significant
number of young composers
who have studied abroad
and injected Icelandic
symphonic music with a
varying, but avant-garde
spectrum of works. According to the director, the
beauty of the symphony is that it provides an ex-
cellent outlet for the national musical talent,and
aspiring young Icelandic composers can be almost
assured that their work will be incorporated in the
repertoire.
The symphony has 48 permanent musicians and nu^
merous freelancers and part-timers depending on
works being performed. The majority of the playi
are Icelandic. Their musical training usually
gins at the music school in Reykjavik. This only
provides a basis; however, players then venture a-
broad for further training. No predominant area
exists which is reflected by the wide variety of
training and ability to perform virtually all sym-
phonic music.
The symphony evolved
into its present form 20
years ago from a smaller
less formal group. It
has enjoyed the guidance
of several first - rate
conductors in its growth.
This season is domina-
ted by Bodhan Wodiczko,
a Pole who has directed
the symphony numerous
times since his first
arrival in Iceland in
1959. Slavic music is
dominant in this year's
program reflecting the
(See SYMPHONY, Page 11)
nu^