Kaija Saariaho’s Maan Varjot was jointly commissioned by Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal, Orchestre National de Lyon, Southbank Centre and the Philharmonia Orchestra.

The world premiere took place in Montreal on 19 May 2014, given by the Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal, with Olivier Latry (Organ), conducted by Kent Nagano. The French premiere took place during June 2014, given by the Orchestre National de Lyon with Olivier Latry (Organ). The UK premiere took place at the Southbank, London on 26 June 2014, given by the Philharmonia Orchestra with Olivier Latry (Organ), conducted by Esa-Pekka Salonen.