A TRIBUTE TO NØRGÅRD FROM THE NEXT GENERATION

Mezzo-soprano Christina Herresthal makes her recording debut with the EP Sånger från Aftonland,, featuring the ensemble Hehku under the direction of conductor Aliisa Neige Barrière. The centerpiece of the release is Danish composer Per Nørgård’s hauntingly lyrical song cycle, composed in 1956 when he was just 24 years old—the same age Herresthal was when she recorded the work in 2022 as a heartfelt tribute for Nørgård’s 90th birthday.

The cycle sets poems by Swedish Nobel laureate Pär Lagerkvist, whose texts reflect on the beauty of nature, the quiet moments of twilight, and philosophical meditations on the "evening" of life. Nørgård’s music captures these themes with ethereal textures, shifting harmonies, and a sense of timeless stillness—qualities that resonated deeply with Herresthal from a young age. Having known Nørgård personally, she was drawn to his music’s unique spiritual depth and expressive clarity, and the idea to honor him with a new generation’s interpretation was born.

Originally planned for release ahead of Nørgård’s 93rd birthday, the recording now stands as a poignant in memoriam, following the composer’s recent passing. With this release, Herresthal and Hehku offer not only a deeply personal artistic statement but also a moving farewell to one of Scandinavia’s most visionary musical voices. Sånger från Aftonland becomes both a debut and a tribute—a meeting point between generations, united in music, memory, and reverence.

Per Nørgård (1932–2025) was one of Denmark’s most influential and original composers. Renowned for his wide-ranging musical language and philosophical depth, Nørgård’s works span symphonies, chamber music, opera, and vocal music. A student of Vagn Holmboe, he developed a distinctive compositional technique known as the "infinity series," blending structural innovation with expressive lyricism. Deeply inspired by nature, Nordic mythology, and the visual arts, Nørgård's music often explores existential and metaphysical themes. His legacy includes a vast and diverse oeuvre that continues to inspire musicians and listeners across the world.

Christina Herresthal is a Swedish-Norwegian mezzo-soprano and Léonie Sonning Talent Prize recipient, known for her dark timbre and expressive intensity. Passionate about chamber music, Baroque repertoire, contemporary works, and opera, she has been praised for her musical nuance and powerful stage presence. Highlights include her Australian debut as Lilly in Innocence by Kaija Saariaho at Adelaide Festival, alto soloist debut in Rued Langgaard’s Sfærenes Musik with the Danish Radio Symphony Orchestra and Fabio Luisi, soloist debut with The Finnish Baroque Orchestra at Turku Music Festival, and alto solist in a Mezzo Live TV streamed St. Johns Passion by Bach with Orkester Nord. She will also premiere a new work by Maya Miro Johnson at Tanglewood Festival 2025, and feature as “Rising Star” at Schackenborg Festival in concert with Bjarke Mogensen. A passionate chamber musician, she also performs regularly with The Baroque Society, her ensemble Hehku, and in duo with Fredrik Bock. Other cooperations include Arctic Philharmonic, The Danish Sinfonietta and Nordic Baroque, to name a few. Herresthal holds a master’s degree from the Royal Danish Academy of Music, studying with Susanna Eken and Tuva Semmingsen, and is furthering her studies with Marianne Beate Kielland at The Norwegian Academy of Music. She has also studied with leading figures in early music and historical performance. 

Hehku is a Nordic ensemble and artist collective founded in 2021 by conductor Aliisa Neige Barrière and mezzo-soprano Christina Herresthal and consists of Aliisa Neige Barrière (conductor), Christina Herresthal (mezzo-soprano), Isabelle Bania (violin), Michael Grolid (viola), Theodor Lyngstad (cello), Kaja Marie Andersen (flute) and Claire Moncharmont (harp). Dedicated to commissioning contemporary works and reviving overlooked voices from the past, Hehku creates vibrant, thematic programs blending new and historical music. The core ensemble includes voice, strings, flute, and harp, but often performs in flexible formations. The name Hehku—Finnish for “glow” or “aflame”—reflects the group’s mission to ignite musical experiences with energy and depth. Their debut project, a music film of Per Nørgård’s Songs from Evening Land, was created in honor of the composer’s 90th birthday and has been shown at major Nordic venues. Hehku has since premiered works by Anna Berg, Aya Yoshida, Frederik Zeuthen, and Nick Martin, and served as ensemble-in-residence at Copenhagen Music House in 2023.

Aliisa Neige Barrière is a French Finnish conductor known for her dynamic programming and commitment to championing underrepresented voices. Her work spans early to contemporary music, and she is an active commissioner of new works. She has collaborated with ensembles such as Orchestre de Paris, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, the Finnish National Opera, BIT20 Ensemble, and the Swedish Radio Orchestra. A graduate of the Sibelius Academy under Sakari Oramo, she has also studied with Jorma Panula. Barrière has assisted renowned conductors including Esa-Pekka Salonen and Susanna Mälkki and held positions with Sinfonia Lahti and Århus Sinfonietta. In 2023, she received the Young Artist Award at the Mikkeli Music Festival, and in 2024, she was Artist-in-Residence at the Turku Music Festival.