There's still work to be done on the forecourt, but it's nearly there...
Icelanders’ traditional architecture consists of stone huts covered in turf, so it will be a big event in Reykjavik on August 20, 2011, when the extraordinary glass concert hall Harpa is inaugurated.
The building by the harbour was designed by Danish firm Henning Larssen (since Jorn Utzon’s Sydney Opera House everybody wants Danes to design their music halls) and Icelandic architects Batterlid.
The glass facade is by artist Olafur Eliasson.
The glass prisms catch and reflect the light from different angles.
Unlike the Sydney Opera House, Harpa is as impressive from the inside as it is from outside.
I like the views of the harbour from the foyers.
Economic benefits - Reykjavik's window cleaners now have job security for life.
It will be an asset to the town, and I wish it well.
Bless this house and all who sing in her, even Bjork.
Richard Tulloch's LIFE ON THE ROAD 
Hi Richard,
This reminded me I forgot to give you the details of the Icelandic band – Sigur Ros. I would try their last (2008) album which is called “með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust” which is probably the most accessible. Not sure of the translation, but I think it means with a buzz in our ears we play endlessly or something similar. If you like it you might also enjoy the film Heima which tells the story of when they performed 15 free unannounced concerts around Iceland. This gives a great perspective on the country as well…Both could be described as an acquired taste, but i’ll leave you to judge..
Thanks,Rob. I’ll definitely check it out. Well done in writing all that Icelandic too. Definitely worth more than 50c a word!