Finnish National Opera have just announced its new commission Morgonstjärnan - The Morning Star, composed by Sebastian Fagerlund to a text by Gunilla Hemming based on Karl Ove Knausgård’s acclaimed novel.
The plot is set in Norway but could also happen in any other European city. On a late August evening a giant star is rising above the city and slowly becomes impossible to ignore. The Morning Star is an opera about modern characters dealing with personal matters and crisis’ while at the same time trying to make sense of the world.
Composer Sebastian Fagerlund says “The story of The Morning Star, with its collision of the unfathomable, mystical world and modern society, has been a great source of inspiration for me. The story of fear, curiosity, uncertainty, anger, and love is timeless. It holds a mirror to us, providing a deep and powerful reflection of our society and life.”
The production will have its world premiere on January 30, 2026 and is conducted by chief conductor Hannu Lintu and directed by artistic director Thomas de Mallet Burgess.
For more information, please see Finnish National Opera.
