Opening Ceremony of The Festival of Sacred Arts 2010

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at 10. 30 am Procession

A walking formation carrying “palm sprigs” up towards Hallgrímskirkja. Everyone is free to participate in the formation, which will begin at the corner of Skólavörðustígur and Laugavegur. The Bishop of Iceland blesses a new main entrance to Hallgrímskirkja, ornamental doors designed by Icelandic artist Leifur Breiðfjörð. Participants: The Hallgrímskirkja Motet Choir , Reykjavik Boys Choir, Hallgrímskirkja, Ásgeir H. Steingrímsson and Eiríkur Örn Pálsson trumpet, Oddur Björnsson and Sigurður Þorbergsson trombone, Hörður Áskelsson conductor, the bishop of Iceland, Mr. Karl Sigurbjörnsson, rev. Kristján Valur Ingólfsson, the ministers of Hallgrímskirkja rev. Jón Dalbú Hróbjartsson and rev. Birgir Ásgeirsson, Magnea Sverrisdóttir, Elín Edda Árnadóttir costume designer, actor Jón Hjartarson, people of the neighborhood of Skólavörðustígur.

11 am Festive mass at Hallgrímskirkja with the bishop of Iceland and the priests of Hallgrímskirkja

Premiere of Introitus for choir, two trumpets, two trombones and organ by Icelandic composer Gunnar A. Kristinsson. Performed by The Hallgrímskirkja Motet Choir, conductor Hörður Áskelsson, trumpetists Ásgeir H. Steingrímsson and Eiríkur Örn Pálsson,and trombone players Oddur Björnsson and Sigurður Þorbergsson. Organist: Björn Steinar Sólbergsson.

12.15 pm Art Exhibition of the Festival of Sacred arts 2010 opened

Visual artist Ólöf Nordal opens an exhibition in the foyer and the main church of Hallgrímskirkja. A new song by Icelandic composer Jón Nordal will be performed.

2 pm English Mass

With rev. Halldór Reynisson. Also participating are Guðrún Finnbjarnardóttir, alto, and Björn Steinar Sólbergsson, organist.

5 pm The Festival of Sacred Arts’s 2010 Opening Concert

The Four Beasts´ Amen - Mass for organ and electronics

Hans Ola Ericsson, renowned Swedish organist performs his own composition, based on texts by Olov Hartman, where he plays the Klais-organ in Hallgrímskirkja along with recordings o Schnittker-organs around the world. Technical director: Icelandic composer Ríkharður H. Friðriksson.

Admission: 3.000 ISK. Ticket sale in Hallgrímskirkja, open daily 9 am - 5 pm, also at www.midi.is.