History
Choir History
The Heimir Men’s Choir was established in late December 1927. Most of the members of this new choir were drawn from a small choir that had been established in the area of Skagafjörður called the Farmers’ Choir, which had been in existence for eleven years. The Heimir’s first year was characterized by relatively primitive conditions. As community centers were virtually unknown at that time, rehearsals were held in private homes where a pump organ could be found, and the choir thrived as camaraderie developed and interest increased. Members traveled to and from rehearsals either on foot or on horseback, and even on skis when necessary. These trips were often hazardous but were considered worth the effort for the rewards of singing together.
The first conductor of the Heimir was Gísli Magnússon from the farm Eyhildarholt.
The current conductor of the Heimir is Stefán R. Gíslason, who began working with the choir in 1985. Accompanists the past several years have been Thomas Higgerson at the piano.
The Heimir Men’s Choir has issued several recordings on both vinyl disc and compact disc, all of which have sold extremely well. Elsewhere on the Heimir Home Page can be found more information about their recordings and how to obtain them. (See Ordering Information)
The activities of the Heimir Men’s Choir has been going strong for the past several years, and its popularity with the Icelandic public is unique. However, the activities of the Heimir are not confined to its home country. Among the countries the choir has visited are Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Israel, Egypt, Canada, the United States, Greenland, the Faeroe Islands, and finally Germany, where the choir represented Iceland at the World Exposition in Hannover, Expo 2000.
