Næstved: It was a walk in the dark that gave the Greek composer inspiration for the new Næstved song.
By Louise Wuust Brøndel, Sjællandske Nyheder, 29 August 2025.
In January, the 47-year-old composer, Marios Joannou Elia, wandered through Næstved’s quiet streets. He felt the loneliness creep under his skin as he walked in the darkness. And it was precisely that experience which became the spark for the new Næstved song, which holds something truly special.
It may sound like the beginning of an American drama series, but it is not. The renowned composer was at a Cypriot airport, about to say goodbye to the mild weather. He was boarding the first plane bound for Denmark.
“It was planned that I would travel to Denmark at the start of the year. I was going on a tour around Zealand because I wanted to gather inspiration for the music. And I traveled to Næstved twice, because I wanted to feel the atmosphere and observe the people living in the city,” says Marios.
Quickly, it happened
It did not take many hours before Marios Joannou Elia was completely captivated by the Danish winter landscape. As he strolled around Næstved, he felt a piercing sensation—something he had never experienced before.
“When I went for a walk in Næstved, I experienced a very special calm. I felt as if I were completely alone in the world. I quickly sensed how powerful Danish nature is. It awakened in me a desire to contemplate it,” recalls the well-known composer.
It did not take many months before Marios Joannou Elia had composed the beautiful tones of Næstved’s new song “Ode to Light”, which will be performed at this year’s Light Festival at Næstved Harbour. And the word light itself plays a central role in the project.
“The main theme is light. There is a duality, because the song will be performed at the Light Festival. But the song also reflects a hymn to Næstved. My goal is that it should be a light in the darkness, spreading meaning and hope for the future,” says Marios Joannou Elia.
A European imprint
During his first journey to Denmark, the Greek composer Marios Joannou Elia discovered the geographical significance of Zealand.
“I realized that Zealand is a crossroads between Sweden and Germany. This is an important aspect, because it symbolizes three nations that have helped shape Europe’s identity. That was when I got the idea that there should also be a European imprint,” says Marios Joannou Elia.
He then turned his idea into reality. The song will feature three choirs, one of which is from Germany.
“I have chosen for the German choir to also sing in Danish. I did this because music has a strong ability to unite everything into one meaning,” says Marios Joannou Elia.
The composer also wanted to include the voices of youth. Therefore, there will be choir singers from different generations.
“Music is its own language. That is also why I wanted singers of different ages. In addition, the lyrics were written by a young songwriter from the city. This is our way of creating a connection to the youth, but also to Næstved as a community. After all, Næstved is nothing without its citizens,” states Marios Joannou Elia.
The opening of the Light Festival is on October 31, and the song will be performed twice daily during the festival.
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