A new National Opera will begin operations in 2025 as a division of Þjóðleikhúsið, the National Theatre of Iceland.

The new company will stage productions at the Harpa concert hall in Reykjavík, as well as Hof in Akureyri and other venues across the country. There will be at least one Icelandic opera performed every year.

According to a report by MBL, Minister of Culture and Business Affairs Lilja Alfreðsdóttir introduced a draft bill on the new opera, which estimates operating costs of $5.8 million per year.

The company will employ 12 solo singers and a choir of 16 part-time employees. There will also be other staff and the company will also provide educational activities, and collaboration with music companies, theatre companies, and choirs outside of the capital area.

The report also noted that the company will appoint a director for a five-year term and will have artistic and operational independence to run the opera.