Mission

Lera Auerbach’s Flights of the Angakok brings Arctic worldviews and climate realities into the symphonic space, translating shamanic tradition into contemporary musical form. The work elevates the voices and visions of Indigenous knowledge systems in a time of global transformation.

Approach

Developed in close dialogue with cultural advisors, the work blends orchestral composition with Indigenous vocal elements, multilingual text, and immersive structure—anchored in a continuous libretto shaped by Inuit cosmologies. Performed by the Nederlands Kamerkoor with Auerbach at the helm, the symphony follows a metaphysical journey through five states of consciousness and nine eras of time.

Impact

By interweaving endangered languages, spiritual knowledge, and modern symphonic expression, the project builds cross-cultural understanding while advancing climate awareness. It affirms the role of large-scale artistic works in addressing urgent global themes through deep cultural engagement and meaningful collaboration—creating a transformative experience that resonates far beyond the concert hall.