FESTIVAL GALA: NOC + ELJA

Reykjavík Opera Days, in collaboration with Herning Opera Festival, presents a spectacular gala concert featuring the Nordic Opera Choir and ELJA Chamber Ensemble, conducted by Ragnheiður Ingunn Jóhannsdóttir. The programme offers a vibrant journey through the world of opera, bringing together some of the most celebrated choruses in operatic history alongside solo arias and lesser-known operatic gems.

.Audiences will hear, among other works, the Gypsy Chorus from Il Trovatore and Va, pensiero from Nabucco by Verdi, beloved arias such as the Habanera from Carmen, and the enchanting Humming Chorus from Madama Butterfly. The programme also features beautiful works by composers including Alexander Borodin, Kaija Saariaho and Helena Munktell.

Reykjavík Opera Days celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, and this festive gala concert is one of the highlights marking this special milestone.

The Nordic Opera Choirbrings together 30 young professional singers and advanced vocal students aged 18–35 from across the Nordic countries. The choir was established in 2023 at the initiative of Den Jyske Sangskole in Herning, with the aim of strengthening career opportunities for emerging classical singers and creating a vibrant professional network across the Nordic region.

Each year, the singers come together for rehearsals and performances under the guidance of Nordic conductors and coaches. The choir collaborates with orchestras and music festivals throughout the Nordic countries, giving its participants the opportunity to develop both artistically and professionally through a dynamic, high-level Nordic collaboration.

The project is primarily funded by the A.P. Møller Foundation in Denmark. Icelandic supporters of Reykjavík Opera Days contributing to this project include Tónlistarsjóður (Icelandic Music Fund), the City of Reykjavík, the Ministry of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education, the Rut Hermann Memorial Fund, Ýlir Music Fund and Kaffi Ó-le.