Hörður Áskelsson

Hörður Áskelsson is an accomplished organist and choir conductor who graduated with top honours from the Robert Schumann Hochschule in Düsseldorf in 1981 after studying in Iceland. He was appointed as the music director of Hallgrím’s Church the following year. In 1982, he founded the Motet Choir of Hallgrím’s Church and has been the Artistic leader of the Reykjavík Friends of the Arts Society since its foundation the same year. In 1987, Áskelsson established the Festival of Sacred Arts, which has since become a biennial cultural event in Iceland. In 1993, he created the Hallgrím’s Church International Organ Summer concert series, and in 1996, he founded Schola Cantorum Reykjavicensis.

Áskelsson’s choirs have won numerous prizes both in Iceland and in various international competitions, including Cork, Noyon, Gorizia and Catalonia. He has conducted oratorios, often with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, and has premiered many Icelandic works. His performances have been broadcast on radio and television and released on numerous CDs. As a concert organist and choir conductor, he has given performances across Europe and North America.

In recognition of his exceptional work, Áskelsson was awarded the Icelandic Music Prize in 2002 and appointed Municipal Artist of Reykjavík. Two years later, he received the Knight’s Cross of the Icelandic Order of the Falcon. From 2005 to 2011, he served as the director of music for the National Icelandic Church.