The Folk Music Centre in Siglufjörður

The Folk Music Centre in Siglufjörður was founded in 1999 to fulfill the vision of Rev. Bjarni Thorsteinsson, who dedicated his life to collecting and preserving traditional Icelandic music. Opened in 2006, the Centre presents Icelandic folk music through videos of people singing, chanting, and playing traditional instruments from across the country. Visitors can try playing replicas of instruments like the Icelandic fiddle and langspil, or simply enjoy the music over coffee.


The Centre also features an exhibition about Rev. Thorsteinsson’s life (1861–1938) and his 25-year effort to compile Icelandic folk songs, which culminated in the publication of Icelandic Folk Songs (1906–09). Artifacts include manuscripts of his transcriptions, original compositions, and personal belongings. Located in Madame House, his former residence, the Centre safeguards this invaluable part of Icelandic culture.

Folk Music Center

A voluntary organisation aimed at establishing a Folk Music Centre was founded in Siglufjörður in 1999, fulfilling the lifelong vision of Rev. Bjarni Thorsteinsson. Thorsteinsson dedicated his life to the collection and preservation of traditional Icelandic music. The organisation's mission was to create a center that would honor his work, host an annual folk music festival, and promote Iceland’s musical heritage locally and internationally. This vision became a reality with the opening of the Folk Music Centre in 2006.


The Centre offers a lively and engaging introduction to Icelandic folk music, featuring video recordings of people from all over Iceland—young and old—performing songs, chants, and playing traditional instruments. Visitors can try playing replicas of instruments such as the Icelandic fiddle and the langspil (a bowed dulcimer), or enjoy listening to the music over a cup of coffee.


The Folk Music Centre also houses an exhibition dedicated to the life of Rev. Thorsteinsson (1861–1938), who spent 25 years transcribing songs and chants before publishing his monumental work, Icelandic Folk Songs (1906–1909). Beginning his collection in 1880, Thorsteinsson later moved into Madame House, the current location of the Centre. His book preserves a unique chapter of Icelandic cultural history, saving many songs that might have otherwise been lost. In addition to being a collector, Thorsteinsson was a prolific composer, creating hymns and other sacred music that continue to be performed today.


The Centre features personal artifacts of Rev. Thorsteinsson and his wife, including manuscripts showcasing his transcriptions and original compositions, offering visitors a deeper insight into the life and legacy of this remarkable cultural figure.

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