I & I - 2011, Page 14

14 I&I
Everybody in Iceland has an opinion about the new music
hall. In the beginning, many thought we did not need it,
others that the country could not afford it. But now that
it is built and in use, we all seem to like it. The truth is that prior
to Harpa, the only exclusive “music hall” Iceland ever had was a
small octagonal house sitting by the Reykjavík Pond. Since 1922
this has been the home of the Reykjavík City Brass Band. There
is no space inside for an audience.
This does not mean that there has been no music. The Icelan-
dic Symphony Orchestra performed concerts in the University
Cinema; the Icelandic Opera had its home in the Old Movie The-
atre. The London Symphony played a concert in the Reykjavík
sports hall. All of these gave audiences performances that will
be remembered for a long time, but none of them are music
halls.
When the elegant, expensive new music hall Harpa was opened
in May 2011, it immediately struck a chord with the nation. At the
formal opening ceremony it was stressed that Harpa—Icelandic
for “harp”—is not only for classical music. All types are welcome
and the nation saw tuxedos and latex suits that night. Each play-
ing to diverse audiences.
Harpa is not only a music hall. It is also a convention center
Finally Reykjavík has its own music
hall; an architectural masterpiece and
a world class concert hall.
Harpa of 1,600 StringS