Phoenix' Chant
Daniel Möllås, commissioned by Brassmusik Skåne for the Premier Section of European Youth Brass Band Championships 2023, Malmö

The initial sketches to Phoenix’ Chant were written in the late Autumn of 2021; a time of increasing political tensions both nationally and worldwide, but also some relief that our society were starting to see the return of better times after the pandemic. Whether this relief actually came or not might be quite hard, if not even impossible to say in todays social climate. However just as it was then, hope remains as our strongest tool to cope with the difficult times - and above all to inspire us to work towards an actual better future. Although maybe a bit of a cliché, the myth of the majestic firebird encapsulates this theme with an impeccable decisiveness. Consumed by its own flames, the old Phoenix is reborn from its ashes; younger, brighter and stronger than ever before. As the sketches were developed and later on revised as the set piece commissioned by Brassmusik Skåne for the European Brass Band Championships Youth Premier Section in Malmö 2023, the Phoenix theme became even more relevant, as it highlights the true importance and influence of the young for a sustainable journey ahead through time. Although challenges will occur, hope remains through the voices of youth, calling for a brighter future. This chant is for them. For all.