Olufa Finsen

Olufa Finsen was of Danish descent, born with the surname Bojesen, and lived in Iceland from 1865 to 1883. She had studied music in her youth in Denmark, maintained considerable contact with Danish musicians, and became an important pioneer in the emerging musical life of Reykjavík. At her home she rehearsed a mixed choir, the first of its kind in Iceland, and encouraged young Icelanders to pursue musical studies and careers, among them Jónas Helgason, who later became one of the foremost pioneers of the “new” music in Iceland. There is no doubt that her encouragement and example had a profound influence during this formative period.