Few singers have performed as many beloved Icelandic evergreens as Helena M. Eyjólfsdóttir (b. 1942), whose songs have become deeply rooted in the hearts of the nation. From a young age, she was captivated by music and recorded her first song at just eleven years old. One opportunity led to another, and in 1957 her singing career truly began as she performed with various bands.

For nearly sixty years, since 1966, Helena has lived in Akureyri and made a remarkable contribution to the town’s musical history, especially through her work with Ingimar Eydal’s band at Sjálfstæðishúsið/Sjallinn.

In this program, Óskar Þór Halldórsson will explore Helena’s musical career through storytelling, photographs, and musical examples. Her career is both fascinating and diverse, closely intertwined with the development of Icelandic popular music during the 20th century. (In icelandic)

Óskar Þór Halldórsson (b. 1961) is a journalist, reporter, and author. In recent years he has published several books, the latest being Akureyrarveikin, released last year. His first published book was Gullin ský – ævisaga Helenu M. Eyjólfsdóttur (Golden Clouds – The Biography of Helena M. Eyjólfsdóttir), published in 2013.

The event is part of this year’s Akureyri Academy event series for residents of nursing homes and other townspeople. The events are supported by the Akureyri Cultural Fund.

Everyone is welcome — free admission!