The Icelandic Canadian - 01.06.1967, Page 81

THE ICELANDIC CANADIAN
79
Two Slglirf (Sumps by Ingibjorg S. Goodridge
Now, at the beginning of the second
century of Canada’s nationhood,
people everywhere are pausing to re-
member those whose achievements
have played a significant part in the
building of our young nation. It is
only fitting that we, too, pause and
remember the Canadians of Icelandic
descent who made a noteworthy contri-
bution. Icelanders have made their
presence known and felt in many fields
of endeavour. They have always taken
an active part in the arts, politics,
religion, education and in business.
Among the many who enriched the
lives of Icelandic people and others
in Winnipeg by the generous sharing
of their musical talents, two women
stand out by virtue of their voices,
their personalities, and their ac-
complishments. Both women were born
in Iceland, both possessed a soprano
voice and both had the same Christian
name.
Sigridur Anna Hall came to Canada
with her parents J6n and Halldora
Hordal, at the age of five years and
settled in the Lundar district of Man-
itoba. At an early age it became
evident that she had a singularly lovelv
voice. As may be imagined her family
was most anxious for her to receive
instruction and to develop her God-
given talent. This necessitated leaving
her childhood home taking up res-
idence in Winnipeg. Here she began
taking voice lessons. From that time
on, her main interest became singing,
an interest she maintained steadfast-
ly all her life. Some years later she
spent time studying in Minneapolis,
Minnesota, as well as in New York.
Early in her musical career, she met
Mrs. SigriSur Anna Hall
a young musician, also of Icelandic
origin, who, born at Gimli, Manitoba,
had moved to North Dakota at the age
of three years. Steingrimur Kristjan
Hall attained his Bachelor of Music
degree at Gustavus Adolphus Con-
servatory of Music at St. Peter, Min-
nesota, and then continued his studies
at Chicago Musical College. In 1901
Sigridur Hordal was married to this
promising young pianist, organist,
composer and teacher.
Their home was a warm and hos-
pitable one where music and gaiety
were the order of the day. The gracious
couple extended a friendly, kind hand
to all who came and many remember
them with gratitude. Going for a
piano lesson was an event to be antic-
ipated with joy.
For thirty years Mr. and Mrs. Hall