The Butterfly's Voice

Benjamin Koppel’s novel Sommerfuglens stemme (The Voice of the Butterfly), which won the Gyldne Laurbær (Golden Laurels) in 2024, forms the basis of this atmospheric book concert, with Koppel himself on stage together with Aalborg Symphony Orchestra under the direction of the DR Big Band’s chief conductor Miho Hazama. The story is brought to life through readings, newly written songs and music by Benjamin Koppel, and music by Gustav Mahler. Sommerfuglens stemme is a gripping story of love, inheritance and music. In the novel we meet the 96-year-old Ruth, who from her care home in the USA records cassette tapes for her grandson Alexander in Copenhagen. Ruth tells of a life marked by war, loss and an all-overshadowing love of music. In Copenhagen, Alexander struggles with love, identity and a family history to which he gains access only slowly. Through Ruth’s voice and Mahler’s iconic Kindertotenlieder, a powerful story unfolds about trauma that is passed down through generations – and about hope that does the same. The book concert alternates between intense readings and musical interpretations, in which new songs mirror the novel’s feelings and themes. The result is a moving experience in which the audience is invited right up close to the characters’ lives.

• Dirigent: Miho Hazama
• Vokal: Frederikke Vedel
• Oplæser: Kathrine Geis Rosenthal
• Saxofon: Benjamin Koppel

LISTEN TO MUSIC BY THE CONCERT'S COMPOSERS