The vast expanses of wilderness in the Nordic regions are home to majestic Norwegian fjords, peaceful Finnish lakeshores, vast Swedish forests and verdant Danish plains. These landscapes are a celebration of sight as well as sound, with the twittering of birds, the rustle of wind in the trees, the murmur of rivers and the crunch of snow underfoot. So many natural sounds that have influenced musical creation, from folk music to "classical" music. This programme explores these regions and shows how, over the centuries, nature has inspired such distinctive melodies and rhythms.

Edvard Grieg drew on an authentic collection of folk melodies to create his Norwegian Dances, infused with a touch of folklore. In a more academic but equally subtle approach, Carl Nielsen turned to wind quintet composition, creating a piece for his Danish friends and by integrating a cor anglais into the oboe part to add further instrumental colour. The result is a lively, dynamic atmosphere in which overlapping ideas create a vibrant, energetic dialogue. The programme is enriched by two contemporary pieces that add an innovative and modern dimension: the Wind Quintet by Kalevi Aho, the great Finnish symphonist whose writing oscillates between tradition and modernity, and Grönare Än by the young Swedish composer Athanasia Kotronia, born in 2000. She has offered Ensemble Astera the Swiss premiere of her Wind Quintet. 

These four pieces bear witness to music's ability to transcend landscapes and traditions, capturing the essence of each era and reflecting the unique artistry of its composer.

Text from Sophie Gaillot Miczka