Premiere of the multimedia symphony Northern Lights by Ēriks Ešenvalds

On April 27 the Latvian National Opera hosted the world premiere of the multimedia symphony Northern Lights by Latvian composer Ä’riks EÅ¡envalds.

This outstanding 40-minute long symphony is a masterpiece devoted to the atmospheric optic phenomenon, the Northern Lights. It was performed by the State Choir Latvija, Liepaja Symphony Amber Sound orchestra and conductor Māris Sirmais.

What is the sound of the Northern Lights? Scientists believe that they have no sound, but through the unique stories, the beauty of nature and breath-taking photographs and videos, Ä’riks EÅ¡envalds gives them a voice. Video about Northern Lights: http://vimeo.com/117679584

Ä’riks went on several expeditions to Northern Norway to meet his collaboration partner in this project Kjetil Skogli, a professional Northern Lights photographer and video maker. He also visited Iceland, Greenland, Russia and Northern Alaska (USA). While there, he recorded nature sounds (breathing of whales in the fjords, tree barks cracking in the frost, wind gales and dogs howling) and the tales and folksongs of the Northern Lights as told by the Nordic nations.

Ēriks Ešenvalds (1977) is one of the best-known Latvian composers, author of both vocal and instrumental music, three cantatas and one opera. In year 2011, he was awarded the two-year position of Fellow Commoner in Creative Arts at Trinity College, Cambridge University. Ešenvalds is a two-time winner of the most prestigious musical award of Latvia – the Grand Music Award.