Helgi R. Ingvarsson - Conductor
Helgi R. Ingvarsson conducting the Icelandic Choir of Europe in April 2022, Aarhus Cathedral, Denmark.
Icelandic Choir of London performing Hildigunnur Rúnarsdóttir's beautiful “Andvökunótt" (Awake at night) (an excerpt) in Copenhagen in 2016. Conductor: Helgi Rafn Ingvarsson.
As a conductor and musical director, Helgi has over two decades worth of experience working with various small to large sized choirs of different genres, ensembles and orchestras, amateurs and professionals, in both England and Iceland.
Among the bigger projects he has led as a conductor and musical director include the performances of Vaughan William‘s Serenade to Music, Mozart‘s Coronation Mass, Anna Thorvaldsdottir’s modern works Hrím and Ró for chamber orchestra, Gabriel Fauré‘s Requiem, Handel’s Messiah, and the productions of his own chamber operas Music and the Brain, Þögnin and Évariste, to name a few.
As well as having freelanced extensively in both England and Iceland, previous and current posts include tutoring and conducting the Demetz Academy Choir, Reykjavík Boys’ Choir, and the Icelandic Choir of London.
In 2016 Helgi, along with flautist Helen Whitaker, formed the Brighton-based ALDAorchestra, where he is conductor and artistic-director.
Ingvarsson conducting his opera Þögnin (the Silence) in Reykjavík, August 2022.
Ingvarsson conducting the ALDAorchestra in Brighton, December 2016.
Opera
Helgi R. Ingvarsson has conducted numerous vocal and operatic projects and performances in Iceland and England over the last 25 years. Among which are frequent performances of his own original opera works, Þögnin / The Silence, Music and the Brain and Évariste opera. Other works include Benjamin Britten’s The Turn of the Screw. Ingvarsson works regularly with professionals of all levers, as well as students of music and amateurs.
Helgi R. Ingvarsson conducting the stage with Matthildur Anna on the piano and Guðný Jónasdóttir on the cello during a performance of Ingvarsson’s Þögnin / The Silence opera in Reykjavík, August 2022.
Two more photos from “Þögnin” (The Silence) in August 2022.
ICELANDIC CHOIR OF LONDON
The Icelandic Choir of London, founded in 1984, performs a varied Nordic programme and travels regularly. Music director is Helgi R. Ingvarsson who has been with the group since 2012.
The ICL has travelled to and performed in Denmark, Sweden, Norway and The Netherlands, as well as London, Manchester, Brighton and Hull.
The group’s main focus is to perform Icelandic choral music, but we also perform folk music, pop music arrangements, and other Nordic choral repertoire.
Helgi R. Ingvarsson conducting the Icelandic Choir of London and Dóttir Copenhagen Women’s Choir in May 2023. Pianist was Pétur Ernir. Venue: St Mary’s, Primrose Hill, London.
Helgi R. Ingvarsson conducting the Icelandic Choir of London, and the Icelandic Choir of the Netherlands, for their joint spring recital March 2016 at the English Reformed Church, Amsterdam.
Icelandic Choir of London in Malmö, Sweden in 2013. "Öfugmælavísur". Composer: Stefán S. Stefánsson. Poem: Bjarni Jónsson/Stefán S. Stefánsson. Conductor: Helgi Rafn Ingvarsson.
More here: http://helgiingvarsson.com/icelandic-choir-of-london
and here: https://www.facebook.com/IcelandicChoirofLondon/
And on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icelandic_choir_of_london/
Kór Demetz / Demetz Academy Choir
During Ingvarsson’s time with the Demetz Academy Choir (Kór Demetz / Kór Söngskóla Sigurðar Demetz) (2018-2020) we studied and performed three ambitious works: Vaughan Williams’ Serenade to Music for 12 soloists, Mozart’s Krönungsmesse (Coronation Mass) and selected sections from Handel’s Messiah. Pianist was Antonia Hevesi.
The group consisted of advanced classical music vocal students.
Drengjakór Reykjavíkur
Reykjavík Boys’ Choir
Video above: Christmas song arrangement and conducting by Helgi Rafn Ingvarsson. Choirs: Esja Mens’s Choir, Katla Womens’ Choir, Reykjavik Boys’ Choir and Olga Vocal Ensemble.
The group consists of boys aged 6 to 16.
Below are various photos from my time with the Reykjavík Boys’ Choir.
ALDA ORCHESTRA
"My expectations were surpassed – from start to finish; the music was different and haunting. There were moments that, when I closed my eyes, the noises came together with unexpected clatters, bursts followed delicate hovering moments. [...] The opening track, Winter Fog [By Helgi Ingvarsson, listen HERE] began with operatic-style singing and the lyrics described the images of the mountains. They also inadvertently introduced us to the landscape that had obviously captured the imagination of the composer. [...] I really enjoyed this evening of music." - Lou Clement
ALDAorchestra’s members are all professional musicians.
ALDAorchestra. 6 December 2016. The Old Market, Brighton, UK. Conductor: Helgi R. Ingvarsson.
Below are various photos from my projects with ALDAorchestra.
More information on our page: http://helgiingvarsson.com/aldaorchestra
