ACMF 2026 Opening Concert: Spring Songs

m Wunderschönen Monat Mai is a delicate re-interpretation of songs by composers Robert Schumann and Franz Schubert, written in 2003 by composer Reinbert de Leeuw. He has based his composition on some of their most beautiful art songs (Das Lied), as Der Erlkönig, die Winterreise and Dichterliebe. Its slow, shimmering sound world mirrors the quiet longing of Svalbard as the daylight returns—hinting that spring is in sight, even if still just beyond reach. – At 18:15 there will be an artist talk with conductor Christian Eggen, where this concert’s music will be presented and discussed. – After this concert you are all invited in the lobby to celebrate the opening of the festival, accompanied by one of Mozart’s Divertimenti performed by Saphir Quartet. Artists: Tora Augestad (mezzosoprano) Christian Eggen (conductor and pianist) Arctic Philharmonic Sinfonietta Music: Reinbert de Leeuw – Im Wunderschönen Monat Mai 18:15: Artist Talk 19:00 – 20:30: Concert 20:30: Celebration in the lobby

• Tora Augestad
• Christian Eggen

LISTEN TO MUSIC BY THE CONCERT'S COMPOSERS