Söngsveitin Fílharmónía / The Icelandic Philharmonic Choir was founded in 1959, with the original purpose of performing large scale choral works. During its first decade it worked closely with the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra but has since operated independently. The choir consists of around 60 singers and performs at 3-4 large concerts annually as well as a number of smaller events, with a very varied repertoire. The choir hires soloists and musicians as needed and has commissioned pieces from Icelandic composers to mark particular occasions. The choir travels regularly, and in 2014 it won third price for mixed choirs at an international choir competition in Llangollen, Wales. It was nominated for Musical Event of the year in the Icelandic Music Awards for its performance of Ein deutsches Requiem by Johannes Brahms. The conductor of the Icelandic Philharmonic Choir is Magnús Ragnarsson.