I experienced two highlights yesterday. One was a visit to Harpa, Reykjavik’s modernly monumental performing arts center. The second one was the group farewell dinner at the award winning Hotel Holt Restaurant. My camera doesn’t do so well in dimly lit interior conditions, so others took photos of the meal. The meal was a work of art. If I get some photos from others, I will include them in a future blog.
Below are photos from Harpa. A lovely Icelandic woman, one of the tallest women I have ever met, Elsa, took us on the tour. I was mesmerized by her stature, her beauty, her enthusiastic explanations of the wonderful building that is the pride of Reykjavic and the symbol of economic recovery.
Harpa is a concert hall, a conference center, a work of art designed by the Danish firm Henning Larsen Architects. It is the home of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and Icelandic Opera. The first opening concert was held on May 4, 2011.
At one point Elsa sang for us to demonstrate the perfect acoustics of one of the performance halls. Her voice was so powerful. Russ and I were standing close to her and we felt her voice pierce our hearts. Unbelievable. She sang another song upon my request, Ave Maria by Icelandic composer Sigvaldi Kaldalons.
Below are more facts on Harpa:
http://www.nordiclabourjournal.org/i-fokus/iceland-back-on-its-feet
/article.2014-06-16.3867424063
View of the harbor outside the glass frames
Reflections of Harpa on the harbor (taken from the interior)
Taking photos inside one of the performance halls
A lively set (theater and rock concerts also take place here!)
Lovely guide with voice extraordinaire, Elsa
Elsa sings for us on stage
Looking up at the sky/ceiling
Reflective photography (Fran and Bridget)
Yoga group: we have become family, experiencing Iceland , doing yoga and taking our meals together all week
View from an upper floor of various levels, tables, and lounge areas!
