VAKA | Rímnakveðskapur með Röggu Gröndal

Icelandic Rímur Singing with Ragga Gröndal

In this workshop, participants will discover and explore the centuries old Icelandic rímur tradition, where narrative poems are performed using distinctive tunes, or „stemmur,“ which are chosen and shaped by the individual performer. For generations, rímur were Iceland’s foremost form of entertainment, and the tradition lives on today, in large part thanks to kvæðamannafélög (rímur societies) that have kept it alive from one generation to the next.

The workshop will be led by Ragnheiður (Ragga) Gröndal, a musician and member of Kvæðamannafélagið Iðunn, which was founded in Reykjavík in 1929 to preserve and continue the art of ‘kveðskapur’, the poetic and singing styles associated with the Icelandic rímur tradition.

Participants will have the chance to try singing verses with different stemmur and experience firsthand how this living oral tradition still resonates today. The workshop is open to anyone with an interest in Icelandic vocal tradition, regardless of prior experience.

VAKA Folk Arts Festival takes place from September 13–19, 2026, in Kópavogur. The festival brings together music, dance, craft, storytelling, and poetry in a varied programme for curious guests of all ages. Whether you come to listen, learn, dance, sing, create, or simply enjoy being together, you’ll have the chance to discover a wide range of folk arts in a new way — and become part of them. VAKA is committed to making its events as accessible as possible. That’s why most events offer three different price tiers, allowing each guest to choose the price that suits them best. Secure your festival pass for access to all festival events.

All information about the festival can be found at www.vakareykjavik.is and on Vökufélagið’s social media channels.