The Icelandic Op­era

The Icelandic Opera has acquired an important place in the nation’s cultural life and received numerous awards and recognition for its outstanding operatic productions. It regularly stages high-quality and varied operas, both from the traditional repertoire and new.

The Icelandic opera was founded in 1980 and was housed in Reykjavík’s old cinema, Gamla Bíó, before it moved to Harpa in 2011. The Icelandic Opera has acquired an important place in the nation’s cultural life and received numerous awards and recognition for its outstanding operatic productions. It regularly stages high-quality and varied operas, both from the traditional repertoire and new. Thousands of spectators attend the Opera’s events every year and the company’s international profile has grown substantially in recent years.

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

Visit the Icelandic Opera website www.opera.is