Outside the Crafty Raven Croaks

March - April 2010

Learn to sing and chant traditional Icelandic folk poetry

Krummi krunkar úti (Outside the Crafty Raven Croaks)

There are many Icelandic folk songs about the raven; some well known, others less so. Gerðuberg is offering an enjoyable and interesting activity programme about the raven, designed for children in the older years of kindergarten (i.e. those born in 2004 and 2005) and the first year of junior school (b. 2003). It has been put together by Bára Grímsdóttir and Chris Foster, a superb team known for their knowledge and skills when it comes to folk music, so this is a wonderful experience for the children. Krummi krunkar úti will be held on selected Monday and Wednesday mornings during March and April.

Bára Grímsdóttir was brought up with singing and poetry around her, drinking it in from her parents and grandparents in her childhood home in Grímstunga, Vatnsdalur. Many people consider her the best exponent of folk music in Iceland, and she has a particular interest in rimur melodies.  She has been involved in the performance of folk music of many types both in Iceland and abroad, and in her compositions and arrangements has explored the Icelandic folk tradition as a basis for further creation that has brought her acclaim and recognition as a composer.

Chris Foster absorbed folksongs in his childhood in Somerset in the southwest of England. His performances are characterized by sincere personal involvement and experience of the music that often spreads to the audience and makes them an integral part of the whole. Chris has placed the folk tradition in modern dress with his distinctive, original guitar accompaniments and his convincing vocal interpretation.  He is considered as one of the best living artists in this field, and is a pioneer in the rediscovery of the English folk tradition.