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University concerts

University concerts - Available at University of Iceland

For decades, half a century really, this tradition of University concerts has been alive at the University of Iceland. These are monthly events during autumn and spring semester, and take place in University buildings.

Arnar Eggert Thoroddsen, adjunct in Social Sciences, has been the organiser and artistic director since the autumn of 2020 and is guided by the slogan "University for all - Music for all". Arnar takes his slogan seriously and seeks collaboration with musicians in diverse genres, such as pop/rock, jazz, classical music or just what is promising at each point in time. He will, furthermore, place special emphasis on supporting young and up-coming artists and will seek to premiere new pieces.

Recordings from all concerts

Concerts during the academic year 2023-2024

tonleikar

Rebekka Blöndal and Ragnheiður Gröndal - 13 December in Stakkahlíð

 The singers Rebekka Blöndal and Ragnheiður Gröndal performed Christmas carols by Ella Fizgerald on Wednesday 13 December 2023. This was a farewell tribute to the building as the School will relocate to Saga in the new year.

Recording from the concert

Kliður - 25 October in the Ceremonial Hall

klidur

The choir Kliður performed at the first University Concert of the season on 25 October.

Recording from the concert

Concerts during the academic year 2022-2023

Mugison - 24 March at the University's Ceremonial Hall

Mugison

Mugison performed at a University Concert on Friday 24 March in the Main Building's Ceremonial Hall. This Icelandic musician hardly needs an introduction but here we go, nonetheless. Ever since his debut in 2002 with the record Lonely Mountain - over twenty years ago - Mugison has been in the heart and soul of the Icelandic people. 

Recording from the concert

Una Torfa - 15 February in Stakkahlíð

Una Torfa

Una Torfa performed at the first University Concert this semester with Hafsteinn Þráinsson in Fjara in Stakkahlíð on Wednesday 15 February. Una was one of the brightest star of last year, dazzling an entire nation with her amazing debut, "Flækt og týnd og einmana." She entered the scene with a bang, the overall tone is pure and honest, the songs are bright and beautiful but also playful and mischievous.

Recordinc from the concert

Ösp and Örn Eldjárn - 14 December in the University Chapel

osp og orn

The siblings and musicians Ösp and Örn Eldjárn perform at the University Christmas concert in the University of Iceland's Chapel in the Main Building on Wednesday 14 December.

Recording from the concert

KUSK - 12 October 2022 at the University Centre

kusk

KUSK - the vocal artist Kolbrún Óskarsdóttir, performed at the University Centre on Wednesday 12 October. KUSK won the annual musical competition in Iceland this spring Músíktilraunir in style. At the young age of nineteen she is the first to win as an individual act in the competition's forty year history!

Recording from the concert

University Concerts during the academic year 2021-2022

solstafir

The rock band Sólstafir performed in front of a full house at the University concert series on Friday 25 March at 11.30 in the University Aula.

The band is rooted in black heavy metal rock but ventured early on into unknown territory and their development in music has been adventurous ever since. Today the band is worshipped on the intentional scene; has toured all over the world and played with the most prestigious extreme rock bands today and is, without a doubt, among the most successful Icelandic rock bands in their genres. This concert was thus a special treat for the those who admire progressive rock that pushes the boundaries.

A recording of the concert.

asta

Ásta performed at the first University concert this year on Wednesday 16 February in Fjara, Stakkahlíð, the home of the School of Education. There was a live stream from the concert.

Ásta became a hit after her performance in Músiktilraunir in 2019 when she sang her orginal and heartfelt songs.

Recording from the concert

stina og marina

Marína Ósk and Stína Ágústs performed 10 December

The University Concert team closed the year with an authentic Christmas concert on Friday 10 December 2021 at the University Centre's Litla torg. The singers Marína Ósk and Stína performed with a band where Christmas was all around! The arrangements were in the hnds of Mikael Máni who also plays the guitar and with him was Andri Ólfsson on bass.

Recording from the concert

olafur kram

Ólafur Kram - 13 October at the University Centre

This year's winners of Músiktilraunir will perform at the first University concert this season. The concert takes place on Wednesday 13 October at 12.15. There was a live stream from the concert.

Ólafur Kram won Músiktiraunir this year with an his excellent contribution. The band's music has been like a breath of fresh air into the Icelandic music scene and should not be missed!

The members of the band are Iðunn Gígja Kristjánsdóttir, Guðný Margrét Eyjólfs, Birgitta Björg Guðmarsdóttir, Eydís Kvaran and Sævar Andri Sigurðsson and they play a kind of chamber punk with a reference to the past (Spilverk Þjóðanna, Slits) and current times (Chastity Belt) It is impossible not to be moved by the energy, sincerity, and the passion of this group. The songs are original, searching and ingeniously put together and the texts clever, meaningful, and hilarious. The band works well together, all members sing and the high spirits, joy, and relentless courage is - to be honest - almost overwhelming.

A recording from the concert

IMGES TAKEN BY KRISTINN INGVARSSON AT THE UNIVERSITY CONCERTS 2020-2021

Mikael Máni and band
Mikael Máni and band
Mikael Máni and band
Mikael Máni and band
Mikael Máni and band
Dymbrá
Dymbrá
Dymbrá
Dymbrá
Dymbrá
Dymbrá
Dymbrá
Dymbrá
Umbra
Umbra
Umbra
Umbra
Umbra
Umbra
Umbra
Umbra
Umbra
Umbra
Kælan Mikla
Kælan Mikla
Kælan Mikla
Kælan Mikla
Kælan Mikla
Kælan Mikla
Kælan Mikla
Kælan Mikla
Kælan Mikla
Kælan Mikla
Sóley
Sóley
Sóley
Sóley
Sóley
Sóley
Sóley
Sóley
Sóley
Sóley
Sóley
Krummi
Krummi
Krummi
Krummi