The two-movement work was inspired by the title of a book by Jacques Roubaud and dedicated to Violinist Gidon Kremer whose playing and musicianship also inspired the work.Kaija Saariaho is a contemporary Finnish composer living and working in Paris and Graal Théâtre is one of her principal works, frequently performed in spite of its ferocious virtuosic requirements.Unlike many of her other works, …

First performed on 14th September 1997 at the Sibelius Academy Helsinki by John Storgårds violin the Avanti! Chamber Orchestra and Hannu Lintu conductor.