The Icelandic National Concert and Conference Centre, which is being constructed at the Reykjavik city centre harbour, was formally named at a ceremony on Friday. Guests gathered in one of the halls where they enjoyed hot cocoa and doughnuts as they listened to music. Portus chairman Pétur J Eiríksson, assisted by 10-year-old Harpa K Antonsdóttir, announced the name—“Harpa: Reykjavik Concert and Conference Centre“.
In February 2008, Icelanders were invited to send in proposals for a name for the new complex. An enthusiastic response brought over 4,000 suggestions from 1,200 people of which 54 proposed the name Harpa.
Harpa has more than one meaning. It is short, simple and readable for people who don’t understand Icelandic. Most will recognise it as the name of a musical instrument, and indeed the new building is reminiscent of that iconic string instrument when viewed from certain aspects. Harpa is also the name of a month in the old Norse calendar. It is the beginning of summer—the start of a period of energy and activity as nature awakes from a long winter sleep bringing vibrant colours, vitality and abundance.
Now that the name has been decided work is underway for the design of a logo, updated website and other promotional material. Harpa will open in spring 2011.
