The Icelandic Op­era

The Icelandic opera was founded in 1980 and was housed in Reykjavík’s old cinema, Gamla Bíó, before it tresided in Harpa in 2011 and stayed there until it quit operating in 2024.

The Icelandic Opera acquired an important place in the nation’s cultural life and received numerous awards and recognition for its outstanding operatic productions. It regularly staged high-quality and varied operas, both from the traditional repertoire and new. Thousands of spectators attended the Opera’s events every year.

Every season, the Icelandic Opera put on at least two operas, in addition to its educational activities, collaboration projects and concerts. Kúnstpása were monthly lunchtime concerts in Norðurljós, which were open to everyone free of charge. They featured some of the country’s best-known talents, in addition to young singers making their debut on the opera stage. Icelandic artists were normally at the forefront of Icelandic Opera productions, although foreign guests were regularly invited to take part as well. 

Visit the Icelandic Opera website www.opera.is