The original version of Kaija Saariaho’s Saarikoski-laulut for voice and piano (CH88086) was written for the soprano Anu Komsi, to whom the songs are dedicated. The song cycle is based on a collection of poems by Pentti Saarikoski, Alue (The District, 1973). This orchestral version was commissioned by the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra and Boston Symphony Orchestra, Andris Nelsons, Music Director, and first performed in February 2022.