You are here: Forum > Living in Europe > Iceland > Orchestras and Music in Iceland
  Register and reply  

Orchestras and Music in Iceland


#1  2010-02-03 14:26:17

xeys_00
New member
From: Houston
Registered: 2010-02-03
Posts: 2

Orchestras and Music in Iceland

What possibilities exist for music in Iceland. As a Bass clarinetist, I'm interested in Woodwind ensembles, with flute as a weak secondary and saxophone if absolutely needed. I am a food service manager by trade, with my degree from the university of houston, but it's only what I do so I can follow my passion which is music. Are there small civic symphonies and such? IS music a social thing that would make me welcome in Iceland? Small chamber music ensembles are nice, but larger groups are ok too. If I had to I can also play(poorly) euphonium and baritone horn.




 

  • Offline

#2  2010-02-03 14:36:40

ECS
Iceland Animator
ECS
From: Drammen
Registered: 2006-07-21
Posts: 438

Re: Orchestras and Music in Iceland

there are loads of amateur musical organizations in Iceland. It's one of the hobbies Icelanders do best.

there is of course a symphony orchestra in Reykjavík with professional musicians, then there are organizations like this fairly large amateur orchestra:
http://www.ahugasinfonia.is/

there's this one for the north which I think is partly amateur musicians, from all over the northern regions (I performed with them at Mývatn last year)

http://sinfonianord.com/

there's also the Reykjavík Brass Band which doesn't have much of a website but is a fairly large group:

http://www.lr.is/wiki/Fors%C3%AD%C3%B0a

Beyond this there are plenty of smaller ensembles and just by talking to any church musical director you can probably also perform in Sunday services if that's your thing. The universities also most likely have ensembles as well.

Most of these organizations are not of the caliber to support a  work visa and residence permit, however. I'm assuming that since you're posting from Houston you're an American, which means you'll need a bit of paperwork in order to live here legally.




 
 
 
 
 

  • Offline

#3  2010-02-03 14:58:34

xeys_00
New member
From: Houston
Registered: 2010-02-03
Posts: 2

Re: Orchestras and Music in Iceland

But me liking bass clarinet and low reeds will fit well with their musical culture? It would be neat to take it to gatherings and have impromptu playing going on. In America, it's just not done, and I wish it did happen more.




 

  • Offline

#4  2012-01-13 13:58:39

ECS
Iceland Animator
ECS
From: Drammen
Registered: 2006-07-21
Posts: 438

Re: Orchestras and Music in Iceland

hi ndrewoods.. I'm not sure where your comment comes from after I've just listed a whole bunch of orchestras! There is a lot of pop and folk here, certainly, but there's also plenty of music in a more classical orchestral vein as well. If someone comes with an instrument and a will to play a certain kind of music here, I'm sure they'll have no trouble making it happen. I've seen more DIY projects take off here than anywhere else, and not just at some kind of amateur level, but with good exposure and in collaboration with some pretty amazing and well-known musicians.




 
 
 
 
 

  • Offline
Like this topic? Share it with your friends!


Expatriate health insurance Iceland

Free advice and quotation service to choose an expat health insurance in Iceland.
>> Click here

Moving to Iceland

A few tips from professionals about moving to Iceland.
>> Click here

Expat banking Iceland

Discover the benefits of expat banking for people living and working abroad.
>> Click here

Businesses and services in Iceland

Find the professionals in Iceland in the Expat blog directory.
>> Click here

Luggage shipping Iceland

Useful information about luggage shipping to Iceland.
>> Click here

Travel insurance Iceland

Don't worry and travel happy across Iceland.
>> Click here

To
Subject *
Message *
   You are here: Forum > Living in Europe > Iceland > Orchestras and Music in Iceland