The Finnish National Opera has announced a new  commission “Morgonstjärnan – The Morning Star.”

The new work set to premiere on Jan. 30, 2026, will be composed by Sebastian Fagerlund and written by Gunilla Hemming. The work will be adapted from Karl Ove Knausgård’s acclaimed novel and will be the first opera based on Knausgård’s work.

In a statement, Fagerlund said, ”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 new opera is set in Bergen, Norway, and tells the story of modern-day characters trying to make sense of the world and deal with the personal chaos in their lives – alcoholism, career disappointment, crises of faith, and despair.

The new work will be conducted by Chief Conductor Hannu Lintu and directed by the Artistic Director of the Finnish National Opera, Thomas de Mallet Burgess. Cast details, performance dates, and ticket sales information will be announced in spring 2025.

Fagerlund has established himself as one of the most important European composers of his generation and has composed “Höstsonaten – Autumn Sonata,” based on Ingmar Bergman’s film.