Christian Balvig & Ensemble Hermes return with dreamy neo-classical single ‘What Happened To The World’.

Acclaimed composer and arranger Christian Balvig is known for his work with an array of artists and bands like Jade, Efterklang, Lowly, When Saints Go Machine and Mew, as well as his work with some of the most acclaimed orchestras like Royal Northern Sinfonia (BBC Proms), The Royal Danish Orchestra, Copenhagen Phil, London Contemporary Orchestra, The Danish Radio Broadcast Orchestra and The Norwegian Wind Ensemble.

The cinematic sound on the single and the forthcoming album, might echo Balvig’s work in the world of film and TV music. Scoring the 2025 Oscar shortlisted short movie ‘Eternal Father’ and the Danish hit series ‘Cry Wolf’ (Ulven Kommer), which has been shown on television in more than 30 countries around the globe, including Channel 4 in the UK. He was also nominated for a Harpa award for ‘Best score’ last year at the Berlinale for ‘The Son and the Moon (Min Arv Bor I Dig)’.

Balvig’s new album, ‘Find And You Will Seek’, backed by Danish string group Ensemble Hermes is set for release on 22nd May 2026 and grew organically out of this background of experiences. It is music that appeals to listeners seeking original, immersive music with space for reflection and contemplation. The second single to come from the album is called ‘What Happened To The World’. It is written from the feeling that the world sometimes goes backwards and you feel left on the platform wanting to take the train in a different direction.

“I’m trying to give the music a whispering voice here – trying to inspire thoughtful and fragile voices”, explains Balvig. “The world today feels like it’s all about being loud, getting heard in all the noise, and I feel it becomes increasingly difficult to find space for whisper”, he further adds.

‘What Happened To The World’ is ultra transparent neo-classical inspired music, with slow melodic structures, a simple chord progression and an emotional performance which starts with a floating viola solo and builds into a lush sound world, where tangible organic textures combine with otherworldly dreamy atmospheres in a rare contemplative poignancy.

Find Christian Balvig and Ensemble Hermes on tour in Denmark:
27.5 Ansgars Kirke (Odense)
28.5 Folkegaarden Festival (Aalborg)
29.5 Gnisten (Ry)
30.5 Musikhuset (Aarhus)
1.6 Basement (Copenhagen)

‘What Happened To The World’ is out now with the album ‘Find And You Will Seek’ to follow on 22nd May 2026.