As usual, we have a most lively week ahead at the International organ summer, with an oboe, a surprise cockcrow and a world known organist from the USA.

Schola cantorum, the superb chamber choir of Hallgrímskirkja, gives it’s regular Wednesday noon concert at 12 O’clock. On the programme are Icelandic choir pieces and folk songs, among them Heyr himna smiður, considered by many the most beautiful hymn in Iceland and Undir bláum sólarsali, a jolly folksong telling of the miracle of a cockcrow on an Icelandic farm in the old days. After the concert, guests are invited for coffee, tea, a sweet and a chat with the singers. Tickets are sold at the entrance one hour before the concert and cost 2500 ISK.

Bright oboe tones will embellish the Klais-organs’s 72 voices on Thursday, with oboist Scott Bell’s and organist Larry Allen’s noon concert. Both these excellent musicians hold positions at the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, USA. They will be performing works by Bach, Haydn and Rheinberger. The concert starts at 12 O’clock, the fee is 2000 ISK and tickets are at the entrance from 11 am.

Hallgrímskirkja’s Klais-organ is a fantastic instrument and playing it is sought after by some of the world’s best organists. Many of them keep returning to the church and a recurring guest is the renowned organist Douglas Cleveland from the USA who is playing a concert in Hallgrímskirkja for the third time this coming weekend. Mr. Cleveland will be playing an exciting blend of music from different periods, from Bach and Marchand to contemporary, American pieces. His concerts are on Saturday at 12 noon (2000 ISK – 30 min) and on Sunday at 5 pm (2500 ISK – 60 min). Tickets are at the entrance 1 hour before the concert and online at www.midi.is.