Z Space

Volti Presents

The Guardians of YggdrasiL

by Mark Winges, Libretto by Lisa Delan

June 6 - 8
on Z Space’s Steindler Stage

Step into a world where myth meets music. The Guardians of Yggdrasil is a bold and immersive new choral experience from acclaimed composer Mark Winges, inspired by the rich tapestry of Norse mythology. At the heart of the story stands Yggdrasil — the great World Tree that connects the nine realms — and the enigmatic guardians who protect it. Their voices, both ancient and eerily current, echo through an otherworldly soundscape shaped by Winges’ evocative choral writing and innovative use of live electronics.

In this genre-blurring work, myth becomes metaphor as themes of balance, destruction, protection, and renewal rise to the surface. The guardians — sometimes wise, sometimes ominous — bear witness to a world teetering on the edge of transformation. Through their eyes and voices, we’re invited to reflect on the fragility of our own world, and the forces, seen and unseen, that shape it.

The music fuses the earthy and the ethereal, the choral and the electronic, creating a sound world that feels both primal and futuristic. Expect soaring vocal lines, shifting textures, and a deeply atmospheric experience that blurs the boundary between concert and ritual. Whether you’re drawn to mythology, new music, or simply crave a powerful and unusual artistic experience, The Guardians of Yggdrasil offers something truly unforgettable.

This performance also features an encore presentation of Ochre by Pulitzer Prize–winning composer Caroline Shaw — a luminous, earthy work that Volti had the honor of premiering in 2022. Together, these two pieces form a striking pairing: one rooted in ancient myth, the other in elemental color and texture — both speaking to the awe and urgency of the world we live in.