Since its formation in 1982, the Motet Choir of Hallgrímskirkja has delighted audiences during the Advent with their annual Christmas Concerts. The Motet Choir’s Christmas Concerts have come to play an important role in enrichening Reykjavik’s bountiful music scene. In recent years the Motet Choir has performed Advent and Christmas music with outstanding soloists, and has been widely praised by critics for its meticulous performances. 

This year’s programme consists of works by Icelandic and foreign composers alike, highlighting well-known masterpieces as well as lesser known works of sacred choir music. Recent Christmas pieces by Eric Whitacre and Ola Gjeilo engage audiences with their warm melodies and rich harmony, elegantly conveying the majesty and beauty of Christ’s Nativity.

Also featured are Christmas hymns and carols from Iceland and beyond, i.a. Advent music by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, and Christmas favorites by composers Johann Eccard, Áskell Jónsson and Hörður Áskelsson. The choir will also perform well-known carols including "Nóttin var sú ágæt ein", "Ding Dong! Merrily On High" and "O Come, All Ye Faithful", inviting the audience to sing along.

The concert features soloist Björn Steinar Sólbergsson, playing French Christmas music on the magnificent Klais organ of Hallgrímskirkja. The concerts will be conducted by Hörður Áskelsson.

This year two concerts will be held in Hallgrímskirkja - on Saturday 5 December at 9 pm and on Sunday 6 December at 5 pm. 

Box office in Hallgrímskirkja, Tel: 510 1000, and on midi.is