Philharmonia Choral Society
Söngsveitin Fílharmónía - The Philharmonia Choral Society, was formed in 1959 for the purpose of performing the larger works of the choir and orchestra repertoire with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra. In these just over forty years the choir has performed a variety of major choral works, including those by Beethoven, Brahms, Handel, Haydn, Mozart and Verdi. Of the Icelandic works mention can be made of pieces of Páll Ísólfsson, Jón Þórarinsson and Þorkell Sigurbjörnsson. For the past decades, the choir has operated under its own auspices, seeking the co-operation of other musicians and soloists as the occasion demands. Advent concerts, which have been a regular feature since 1989, include a wide variety of music, both new and old, from many countries. The choir now has in its repertoire a large selection of Icelandic and foreign church music as well as shorter secular works. Still available are two CDs released by the Philharmonia Choral Society, Á hæstri hátíð – In dulci jubilo and Heill þér himneska orð, both of which include Icelandic and foreign advent and festive music.
Memorable recent performances include in 2008 Brahms' Deutsches Requiem with the Lutosławski Philhamonic Orchestra in Wrocław, Polland and with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra in Reykjavik, Mass in G-minor by J.S. Bach and Requiem by Mozart in 2009. The choir has also performed more modern and rythmic works including Magnificat by John Rutter, which was performed in collaboration with Lúðraveit verkalýðsins (Icelandic Workers Band) and Fella- and Hólakirkja Church choir. Other modern works include Misa Criolla by Ramirez, Mass of Diversity by Yamandu Pontvik, performed with a jazz ensemble, and a progrm of klezmer music with Haukur and Ragnheiður Gröndal.
The Philharmonia is led by Magnús Ragnarsson who started in 2006 as music director of the choir and his premiere with the choir was an acclaimed performance of Haydn's Stabat mater and Mozart's Vesperae Solennes in April 2006.
Auditions for new members are held every fall, end of August or early September. Please contact us for further information.
