Matias Vestergård's new work is to be premiered alongside a performance of Gustav Mahler's iconic Symphony no. 4.
In the proces of composing his new work, Matias Vestergård wrote:
"In the same way that Mahler draws inspiration from folkloric poetry in the finale of his symphony, where a soprano sings the text "Das himmlische Leben" about a child's vision of heaven, I also intend to draw from a folkloric historical source in my work.
For some time, I have felt that there was inspiration to be found in the medieval motif "assault on the castle of love," as depicted in paintings and carvings from the 12th century. It is a somewhat cryptic scene where a group of knights attempt to capture a miniature castle guarded by women. Their only weapons are flowers, cakes, spices, and fragrant oils. I wish to use this cheerful scene as inspiration for an overture-like piece that can open the festival's main concert in a festive manner.
The piece will incorporate sound elements from Mahler's 4th symphony - for example, the sound of sleigh bells from the first movement or the muted violin from the second movement."