This symphony is good enough for Carnegie Hall

Noteworthy for: They've been nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Orchestral Recording (Vincent d'Indy: Orchestral Works, vol. 1) in 2009.

The Iceland Symphony Orchestra (ISO) recently celebrated its 60th anniversary. Considering the population of Reykjavik is just upwards of 120,000 the ISO’s longevity speaks volumes about the quality of Iceland’s musicians. In fact, the ISO has performed at New York City's Carnegie Hall.

Icelanders, regardless of their economic status, continue showing up for concerts. One reason for the ISO’s popularity is that it brings in internationally renowned musicians to perform along with the symphony orchestra, including the Russian-born Vladimir Ashkenazy, who has been guest conducting here since the 1970s. This legend now serves as Conductor Laureate, influencing the over 60 performances a year with just his name alone.