Icelandic men’s choir seeks singers as average age tops 80

The Breiðholt men’s choir Kátir karlar is seeking new singers after 30 years of performing, mbl.is reported. The choir has about 20 members and would like to grow, with an average age of around 80.5.

Members range from just under 70 to their 90s, but there is no age limit for joining. Choir experience is not required, said chairman Egill Sigurðsson.

Many members have sung in other choirs and joined Kátir karlar to keep singing without taking part in a more demanding schedule. The group meets once a week during winter at Árskógar, a community centre for older people in Breiðholt.

“There is little of men leaving the choir; they die from the choir,” Sigurðsson said, recalling members who have died over the years. He said the weekly rehearsal gives members a regular activity and a chance to meet and sing together.

The choir also performs regularly. For the past two years, it has held Christmas concerts at Langholtskirkja church with the Reykjavík seniors’ choir, Gaflarakórinn from Hafnarfjörður and Ekkó, a choir from an association of retired teachers. The four choirs bring together about 120 singers.

Kátir karlar also holds spring concerts with the Reykjavík seniors’ choir and performs at Árskógar before the Christmas and summer breaks. In the run-up to Christmas, members have sung at nursing homes and community centres for older people.