Iceland review - 2014, Síða 12

10 ICELAND REVIEW
SkálHolT’S
STAr-croSSed
loverS
By ÁSta andréSdóttir
PHoTo By GíSli EGill HrafnSSon, coURTESy oF tHE icElandic oPEra
on March 1, history was made at Harpa concert
Hall as the first ever icelandic opera was pre-
miered. entitled Ragnheiður, this masterpiece
by composer Gunnar Þórðarson and librettist Friðrik
erlingsson has received stellar reviews from critics and
audiences alike and shattered attendance records. it was
voted Music event of the Year at this year’s icelandic
Music Awards.
The opera is based on actual events that took place
in iceland in the mid-17th century. ragnheiður (sung
by Þóra einarsdóttir) was the 18-year-old daughter of
the powerful Brynjólfur Sveinsson, bishop of Skálholt,
South iceland (sung by viðar Gunnarsson). She and her
young teacher daði (sung by elmar Gilbertsson) fell
in love but had to conceal their affections. in 1661 the
bishop demanded that she take an oath in front of the
congregation and swear to her virginity. nine months
later she gave birth to a child and died soon thereafter.
For centuries people have wondered whether or not she
took a false oath, but obviously that question will never
be answered.
These events have inspired many authors, ranging
from early 20th century playwright Guðmundur kamban
to contemporary singer/songwriter Megas, but this is
the first time that the story of the star-crossed lovers
ragnheiður and daði has been the subject matter of an
opera. due to its beautiful, touching and tragic nature,
once the curtain comes down there is not a dry eye in
the auditorium.
The final performance of Ragnheiður will take place on
April 6, 2014. *
muSic
Based on historic events, the first Icelandic opera proves a major success.