Korda Samfónía - Music for better lives and thriving communities
Korda Samfónía is the country's most unconventional ensemble, bringing together 40 individuals ages 20 to 70-plus who are at different points in their lives with unique stories to share. The ensemble's mission is to give people the chance to collaborate in creating new music.
Korda Samfónía members come from all walks of life. The group includes highly trained and experienced professional musicians, students from Iceland Academy of the Arts, self-taught musicians and people who have never studied music before, as well as individuals who have experienced trauma and are at various stages in recovery processes supported by vocational rehabilitation centers nationwide. All voices carry equal weight and the results are remarkable!
Why Korda Samfónía?
The project creates a unique, open and accessible environment for music creation, serving university-level music students and people rebuilding their lives after various traumas. Members gain opportunities to flourish in life and experience themselves as valued and active community members whose voices matter.
Korda is defined by equality and a welcoming, supportive and creative atmosphere where people collaborate, create, learn, grow stronger and develop. The environment is safe and people are encouraged to take risks, try new things and push beyond their comfort zones.
Strong emphasis is placed on the artistic quality of the music, allowing participants to take pride in their achievements and know their art has real value for audiences.
Concert at Silfurberg
Korda Samfónía will perform at Silfurberg on May 26, featuring brand new compositions along with pieces from the ensemble's previous years. Korda Samfónía performs only original music, and all compositions are created collectively by ensemble members under strict rules that no one can bring anything prepared in advance. When you consider the ensemble consists of 35 people, this approach is truly extraordinary. The ensemble also meets for just 11 days each year. Music is created during the first 10 days, with a concert held on the 11th day.
The project originates from MetamorPhonics, a community-focused company led by musician Sigrún Sævarsdóttir-Griffiths in London. Beyond vocational rehabilitation centers and Iceland Academy of the Arts, Music City Reykjavík and Harpa also participate in the project.