Thursday May 29th 2025
Time: 20:00
Location:  Hallgrímskirkja Church

At the opening concert two of Iceland’s most prominent mixed choirs, the Choir of Hallgrímskirkja and the Choir of Langholtskirkja, will present a progam showcasing some of Icelands finest choral music

The Choir of Hallgrímskirkja was founded in the autumn of 2021. The choir consists of around 55 singers that sing both in services and concerts in Hallgrímskirkja. The choir has a wide range of repertoire and has put emphasis on promoting new Icelandic choir music. The Choir of Hallgrímskirkja has commisioned and premiered 11 new pieces by Icelandic composers since it’s foundation. The choir has performed with The Icelandic Symphony Orchestra and has a fruitful collaboration with Brák Baroque Ensemble as well as the Reykjavík Chamber Orchestra. Steinar Logi Helgason is the conductor of the Choir of Hallgrímskirkja.

The Choir of Langholtskirkja was founded in 1953 and has been operating in its current form since 2008, mostly under the direction of Jón Stefánsson (from 1964-2015). The choir regularly performs major classical works, participates in church work, performs Icelandic music and sings abroad. The choir is also known for its annual carols, which have been held since 1978.

Ever since the choir was founded, it has gained a reputation for performing great, classical works from the history of music, with Bach’s masterpieces taking center stage. In recent years, the choir, on the other hand, has rather concentrated on singing without accompaniment and e.g. performed Schnittke’s choral concerto and Rachmaninov’s Nattesang, in addition the choir participated in the prestigious Florilège Vocal de Tours choral competition in 2019. A tradition has also been created for the choir to perform Fauré’s Soul Mass in the church during All Saints Mass.

The choir has always actively participated in the performance and premiere of new Icelandic works, for example Guðbrandsmessa, which Hildigunnur Rúnarsdóttir wrote for the choir on the occasion of his 50th birthday. The choir has also released a number of records and CDs over the years, such as Bach’s Johannes Passion (1987), Barn er oss fætt (1991), An Anthology of Icelandic Choir Music (1993), Island is a Republic (1994), Land míns Father’s Day (1997) and Guðbrand’s fair (2008).

Friday May 30th 2025
Time:  8:30 
Location:  Hallgrímskirkja Church
«Laudes»Gregorian chant with Schola Solensis – Norway

Say a morning prayer to begin your day. The prayer on Friday morning will be led by participants from Norway and will be in the style of plainchant.

Forum – Building strong amateur choirs in our churches: A discussion of the diverse environment of the Nordic church choir 

Friday May 30th 2025
Time: 13:00
Location: Technical College

In this forum Steinar Logi Helgason, the director of the Hallgrímskirkja choir, will address the topic of “How do we create strong amateur choirs in our churches?” and talk about the diverse working environments of Nordic church choirs.
He will use the Hallgrímskirkja Choir as a case study, presenting its development, history, and working environment while contrasting it with other “church choir models” found in the Nordic region. 

Following the presentation there will be an open discussion. 

Leader – Steinar Logi Helgason (IS)

Friday May 30th 2025
Time: 20:00
Location: Hallgrímskirkja Church

T.B.A.

At the festival concert, participating choirs will have the opportunity to showcase their own repertoire.

Please specify on the registration form if your choir would like to perform.

Saturday May 31th 2025
Time: 8:30
Location:  Hallgrímskirkja Church
Lead by the group Force Machaut from the Åland Islands

Saturday May 31th 2025
Time: 17:00
Location: Hallgrímskirkja Church

During this concert participants will present and perform music rehearsed during the workshops.
The concert will showcase the great variety in contemporary nordic church music and 

Saturday May 31th 2025
Time: 20:00
Location: Gamla Bíó

Come on, let’s get together, sing, and celebrate!

The Festival party will be held at Gamla Bíó, a cultural center that was formerly home to the Icelandic Opera for many years. We’ll enjoy musical acts, and everyone attending the event is welcome to play and perform on stage.

Sunday June 1st 2025
Time: 11:00 
Location: Hallgrímskirkja Church

NKSF 2025 will end with a magnificent high mass were all the participants will join in music and worship