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June 2001 Fálkinn, the ICCT Newsletter
42nd Year, Number 1
THE MOTET CHOIRSunday, June 10 – 8pm Call Ellen Gilmore (905) 889-9937 – or – Merle Oddson (905) 731-4799 for information or send a cheque to Evelyn Trites at 7 Wax Myrtleway, Don Mills M3B 3K6. Tickets will also be sold at the door. Hörður Áskelsson founded the Motet Choir in Hallgrímskirkja in 1982, and has been its conductor ever since. It is comprised of about 60 singers, who sing both a cappella religious music from different ages and major choir pieces by such masters as Bach and Handel. More modern composers have also been prominent in the choir's repertoire, most notably Duruflé, whose compositions are performed by the choir on their CD, which has received excellent reviews. The choir sings at religious ceremonies at Hallgrímskirkja. It holds annual Christmas and spring concerts, performs regularly with the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra, has taken part in art festivals in Reykjavík and gone on extensive concert tours in Scandinavia and the rest of Europe. Notable music festivals at which the choir has performed include Marseilles, in 1989, Klangbogen at the Wiener Festwochen in Vienna, in 1994, International Choral Competition in Cork, in 1996, and a church music festivals in Göteborg, also in 1996 Hörður Áskelsson studied music in Akureyri and Reykjavík before going to Düsseldorf, Germany, where he graduated as an organist and cantor in 1981. After a year as an organist in the Neander Church in Düsseldorf, he moved to Reykjavík where he has been an organist and cantor at Hallgrímskirkja since 1982. He has been active on the Reykjavík music scene, organized festivals and concerts, and given solo performances as an organist around the world. His playing on the magnificent new organ in Hallgrímskirkja has also been recorded on CD. Their performance in Toronto will be part of a cross Canada tour, with 6 appearances from PEI to BC. We are fortunate to have this opportunity to hear this choir, which has been referred to as Iceland's best choir. ICELAND NATIONAL DAY / ICCT PICNIC “POT LUCK WITH THE HORSES AT GIMLI FARM”Sunday, June 17 11am – 3pm Gunnar and Lynda Helgason have once again invited us to join them at their 618-acre horse farm near Colborne in the beautiful Northumberland Hills (75 minutes from the top of the Don Valley) We will be celebrating Iceland's National Day. BRING: Coffee and tea will be provided. Map enclosed. RSVP To: Garry (416) 463-1324, stating what you plan to bring, and if you need or can offer a ride. Numbers are limited, so please call soon. If the weather is threatening, call the farm (905) 355-2828. Rain date Sunday, June 24. NEWS FROM ICELANDART LOST AT SEAFour pieces of artwork from the collection of the National Gallery were ruined while in transit to Iceland from Winnipeg. The works were by the acclaimed Icelandic artists Jóhannes Kjarval, Thorvaldur Skúlason, Ásgrímur Jónsson, and Jóhannes Jóhannesson. They had been on loan to Svavar Gestsson, at the Honorary Consulate in Winnipeg. The container that carried the art work had fallen into the ocean. It is reported that Svavar Gestsson and Guðrun also suffered damage to some of their personal possessions. CELLPHONES IN ICELANDDid you know that Iceland has the most mobile phone users per capita? Here are the stats: Iceland 75.8%, Finland 73.7%, Norway 63.4%, Sweden 61.5%, Italy 58.2%, Britain 48% (The Toronto Star, May 16) The Icelandic Canadian Club of Toronto Newsletter
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| President: | Darla E. McKay |
| Vice President: | To be filled |
| Past President: | Ellen Gilmore |
| Secretary: | Barbara Doherty |
| Treasurer: | Evelyn Trites |
| Library: | Etty Green |
| Program Director: | Gail Einarson-McCleery |
| Membership Outreach: | Don Gislason |
| Membership Records: | John Briem |
| Merchandizing: | Holly Garrett |
| Social Convenor: | Merle Oddson |
| Youth Coordinator: | Jill Mitchell |
| INL Rep & Falkinn | Garry Oddleifson |
| Director & Falkinn | Leah Salt |
| Director: | Carol McGirr |
| Director: | Robert Munro |
SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Due to the understandable difficulty that our scholarship committee had in reaching a final decision, the motion was passed to award two scholarships at this time. The worthy recipients are:
Louise Dignum, Parham ON
Louise is the daughter of Raymond Dignum and Stefanía Sveinbjarnardóttir who have a farm where they raise Icelandic sheep. Louise had very high scholastic results at Sharbot Lake High School and will attend either Queen's University or U. of Guelph. The following list attests to her extensive involvement in a wide range of community activities: Junior Director of the Parham Agricultural Society; Member of the Parham and Verona 4H clubs; Manager of Sharbot Lake Men's volleyball team; Coach of Sharbot Lake Public School's grade 7/8 girls and boys volleyball teams, and girls basketball team; Flute instructor for the Amherstview Public School Band; Volunteer runway model for the Beverly Hills Bridal Boutique- Actress, lighting technician, assistant director, and dance captain for the North Frontenac Little Theatre; Member of the Central Frontenac Women's Rep softball team; Played with the Sharbot Lake Concert Band. Her interests include reading, playing the flute, horseback riding, sports, and acting. She also expresses an interest in raising Icelandic sheep and promoting the breed.
Tania Fertuck, Toronto, ON
Tania's parents are Len and Helen (Arnason) Fertuck. Tania also achieved an admirable scholastic record at Earl Haig Secondary School, has been accepted by Queen's University, and still awaits other offers. Tania has a strong interest in the Performing Arts, with an emphasis on dance. She is a graduate of the Claude Watson School for the Performing Arts as a Visual Arts major. She has completed all the children's grades of the Royal Academy of Dancing, and completed their Pre-Elementary, Elementary, Pre-Intermediate, and Intermediate major ballet examinations. She is a Senior Folk Dancer in the Canadian Dance Tapestry. She has received over 20 first place prizes in competitions. Tania also studies piano, violin, and flute. She was Sectional Editor of the School Yearbook.
Tania has earned a Student Teachers Certificate from the British Association of Teachers of Dancing, and obtained the Junior Bronze award from the Canadian Dance Teachers' Association for National Dance. In the visual arts, Tania worked in a variety of mediums and styles. She has also done much volunteer work in the community.
We congratulate both of these worthy ladies, and wish them well in the future.
HONOURS TO CAROL McGIRR
We have learned that ICCT member, storyteller Carol McGirr, has been named co-recipient of first annual Alice Kane Award for her work in storytelling. Carol is the founder and director of Fireside Epic. She is co-winner, along with another winner in Prince Edward Island, of this award, awarded by the Storytelling School of Toronto. It is named in honour of Alice Kane, now in her 90's, who was a renowned storyteller. Carol shares the award of $1000.00, which is given to support a special project. Congratulations, Carol!
KINMOUNT UPDATE
Guðrun Girgis and Don Gislason have completed their work on the final feature of the monument, which is now in production. A fourth plaque is being made that lists the patronymic names of all the Icelandic pioneers of Kinmount. Our memorial “In the Presence of a Soul” is a very prominent feature of the Kinmount Heritage Park. It is a beautiful park in a pretty setting in this pleasant town, so plan a trip later on to revisit the monument and look over the new plaque.
EMBASSY NOW OPEN!
The formal opening of the first Icelandic Embassy in Canada was held on May 22nd in Ottawa. At the ceremonial ribbon-cutting, the Foreign Ministers for Canada (John Manley) and Iceland (Halldór Ásgrímsson) each spoke about the importance of the embassy and the strengthening of ties between Canada and Iceland. A reception followed at the residence of the Ambassador in Rockcliffe Park.
Pictured are Halldór Ásgrímsson, Darla McKay (ICCT President), Gail Einarson McCleery (INL International Visits Director), and Ambassador Hjálmar W. Hannesson.
HIKING THROUGH ICELAND:
Both the hiking clubs - Útivíst and Ferðafélog Íslands - usually have Sunday hikes close to Reykjavík. Sometimes there are hikes on other days as well.
The hikes can range from easy strolls along a beach to more or less climbing a mountain, so it's good to check with the clubs for details before showing up at the bus station. There are ads in the Saturday paper about the hikes, or you can contact the clubs directly. The clubs also organize weekend and longer trips all around Iceland which is a really good way to experience the country if you're physically fit.
ICELANDIC NATIONAL LEAGUE CONVENTION REPORT
APRIL 27-29, 2001
NEW WESTMINSTER, BC
This year, the INL Convention started a little earlier than usual, in order to discuss the most important item on the agenda – expansion to the U.S.A. A decision was reached that the Regional Directors would be asked to form a Task Force to suggest ways that this could be achieved; then they will report to a trio, Ray Johnson of INL North America, Markus Orn Antonsson of INL Iceland and Jon Sig Gudmundsson of INL USA. By the time of the next convention in Minneapolis, this initiative should be well on its way.
Highlights included:
- HONORARY MEMBERSHIPS to BC members Asthildur Gunnarsson (Sturla's mom), Emil & Erling Bjarnason (brothers), Linda Bjarnason, Oli Leifsson; from Sask., Stella Stephanson and from Calgary, Peggy Auchstaetter (Garry's cousin)
- Introduction of our new AMBASSADOR in Ottawa, Hjálmar Waag Hannesson and our new CONSUL GENERAL in Winnipeg (eff. Aug. 1), Eidur Gudnason
- NATIONAL GIFT – Ray Johnson reported that the Saga sets which were given by businesses and government in Iceland, are being distributed to schools, universities, etc. across the country.
- INTERNATIONAL VISITS PROGRAM– Gail Einarson-McCleery reported on Carole Davis' & Harold Brown's upcoming trip to Iceland to give 5 concerts (plus one in Minneapolis en route), national costume expert Friður Ólafsdóttir's upcoming tour across Canada, and violin/piano Audur Hafsteinsdottir/Gudridur St. Sigurdardottir's tour to Canada in October 2002. It was decided that the category of the next Visitor to go to Iceland in 2003 should be wide open, applications to be invited this summer. Gail is to investigate the costs involved in bringing Helga Arnalds, puppeteer, next summer as well. Two additional components were added to the program – a fundraising effort (which will give tax receipts) and touring for North American artists within North America.
- SNORRI PROGRAM – Almar Grímsson, Vice President of INL Iceland, reported on the Snorri Program for youth who spend 6 weeks in Iceland – 15 people are taking part this year. Snorri West is starting this year for Icelandic youth to come to Canada. Previous participants are trying to start a Snorri Alumni Association, which might meet at Islendingadagurinn each year. www.snorri.is
- KINMOUNT—Ellen Gilmore reported that the monument has had 10,000 visitors. The 4th plaque, which will have the surnames of all settlers, will be installed this summer.
- BC GROUPS told us about their endeavours, including the BC club which owns Iceland House in New Westminster – This is a B&B, prices ranging from $50/night, single to $80/night for a double. Call Kicki at 604-521-9957 or email at BeautifulBC@mostlysunny.com. Website www.geocities.com/iceland_house_in_bc/
- The Ladies of SÓLSKIN (the Sunshine Ladies), in their 84th year of doing charitable and Icelandic Cultural work achieve it with “A little bit of mischief and a little bit of magic”.
- BECK TRUST – (Bill Valgardson) was created because Richard and Margaret Beck willed their house for the promotion of Icelandic language and literature. Beck lectures are free and open to the public. The trust has brought 42 people from Iceland since this started. University of Victoria.
- VICTORIA ICELANDIC CLUB - Fred Bjarnason, 75 members, joined the INL at this meeting. Icelanders came to Victoria in 1883.
- ICELANDIC CARE HOME SOCIETY — 64 people, not just for Icelanders.
- POINT ROBERTS: Icelanders were squatters on Military land; eventually, they were able to homestead the land.
- ICELANDERS OF MINNESOTA – this new club has joined the INL and had a strong delegation attending … they are working on making the convention in 2002 a very memorable occasion.
- LEIF EIRIKSSON ICELANDIC CLUB OF CALGARY: Gwen Mann & Margaret Grisdale shared their earnings from two Casino nights with donations to the INL, International Visits Program, Stephan G. Stephansson Icelandic Society for refurbishing Fensala Hall, Markerville.
- VALUING THE ICELANDIC PRESENCE – the Icelandic Collection and the Icelandic Department at University of Manitoba. Sigrid Johnson reported that their campaign target had been 1.65 million dollars. Received a million dollars from Iceland. Have collected $600,000 from Icelandic people. Oct. 20, 2000, the Icelandic Reading Room was opened. There are offices for long term researchers, seminar boardroom, and an Exhibition Gallery.
- FILIGREE JEWELLERY – David Jóhannesson demonstrated this art, which came to Iceland in the 14th Century. David will be in Gimli on August 2 and plans to hold more classes in other parts of the country.
- LOGBERG-HEIMSKRINGLA- Lillian Vilborg (Bjarnason) MacPherson plans larger quarterly issues, e.g. the travel issue. Has plans for extra features e.g. travel, food, literacy, chess, interesting people in the Clubs & History Section monthly. Have 1507 (1200C & 300 US) subscriptions now, but hope to increase to 15,000.
- CANADA ICELAND FOUNDATION has 10 funded scholarships, anyone eligible to apply. Many give in a will, but people do not have to wait that long.
- Walter Sopher gave a presentation on winning new members, the key being phoning and making everyone welcome. Gail Einarson-McCleery talked on how to promote club events.
- GREAT CANADIAN TRAVEL – it was agreed to complete negotiations with this travel agency based in Winnipeg – when members book trips to Iceland or northern Europe with them, INL and the club will get $20 each, and 5% of any tours booked. www.greatcanadiantravel.com 1-800-661-3830
- Markus Orn Antonsson of INL Iceland spoke of greater co-operation between our two groups, including the films on the Icelandic settlements which he has sent to clubs, and the possibility of starting transmission of newscasts in English. He invited us to Iceland for the 2004 Convention.
- INL Calendars for 2001 are now available for $5 each.
- Entertainment included Danish dancers, a sing-along, and casino money which attendees were invited to use on the nearby Riverboat and parlay into real cash.
- Future locations for the INL Convention:
2002 – Minneapolis 2003 – Edmonton 2004 – Iceland?
“Katrina Koven's visual symphony: GÄK: guð þagnarinnar (God of Silence)”
Part Icelandic folklore, part childhood whimsy, GÄK: guð þagnarinnar (God of Silence) is a visual feast of remarkable artistic depth. A floppy, faceless doll created by Winnipeg artist Dana Klemke, that Koven received as a Christmas present, inspired the title of the show. Koven named the doll GÄK and it became her model for “hundreds of GÄK studies on everything: paper, canvas, walls, clothing, glass, skin.” Koven describes GÄK as “the perfect 3-dimensional version of the figures I have been drawing since I was a child expressionistic, abstract, faceless, loose.” She soon gave GÄK a life. “I imagined that the actual doll was an artifact from the Viking days - perhaps the local women used to make the dolls in the image of the god of silence believing that when their children took the doll to bed, they would have a sound sleep.”
A clear theme runs through the exhibition of the singular experience of human emotion. Using charcoal, oil, and acrylic, Koven paints her GÄK—curious renditions of the human form: faceless bodies with exaggerated torsos, elongated limbs, and child-like poses. Yet each piece elicits emotion from the viewer, draws us in, grows on us, and makes us want to seek out more of Koven's work.
The figures flow fluidly, dancing and floating as if exploring their bodies and their world. Colours set the ethereal mood. Shadings and hues give a soft quality to the images as they are enveloped in their environment.
Particularly striking is “Kristen,” a vision of an adult-like body in torment. Again, we see the faceless head, but on a realistic body. Koven creates a sombre mood here, notably different from the majority of images in this collection.
There are interesting multiples in this show. “Baby GÄKS” is a set of 5 interrelated fetal images. In “The Girls of Gimli are Dreaming,” a series of six images float serenely in a background of colour. Three sets of paired paintings are tied to each other by effective common elements. Charcoal sketches, notable in the use of shadow to create outlines of figures and a display of “Little GÄK Books” with line drawings and phonebook text show Koven's ability to extend her medium. Faceless cloth GÄK dolls sit on windowsills, completing the effect.
Katrina Koven returns to her roots in Winnipeg with a visual symphony of images of childhood innocence and human emotion. This is an exhibition to see again and again. Her paintings are smooth landscapes of colour, in which her characters dance, play, and grieve, interact with the viewer, and touch the soul.
Katrina Koven's GÄK: guð þagnarinnar (God of Silence) runs until November 7, 2000 at Chiendog Gallery, Winnipeg, 3rd Floor, 72 Princess Street, Phone: 204-946-0590. Koven hopes to remount her show in Toronto in the spring of 2001.
Katrina Koven is a visual artist, writer, and musician living in Toronto. Her novel Íslensk Kona: Portrait of Ásdís Anderson is currently appearing as a serial in Lögberg-Heimskringla.
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