News
Heino Eller’s symphonies are published
On December 21 at 2 pm, Estonian Theatre and Music Museum will present three new publications including jubilee scores of Heino Eller’s symphonies.
Kalle Randalu and Olari Elts perform in Finland
On December 14, conductor Olari Elts and pianist Kalle Randalu will be guest performers in Finland. The concert in Espoo Culture Centre Tapiola hall features works by composers of two Viennese Schools – W. A. Mozart and A. Schönberg. The guest conductor of Tapiola Sinfonietta is Olari Elts, the piano soloist is Kalle Randalu.
Ensemble U: performs in Lübeck
On December 2, 2012, Ensemble U: gives a concert in Lübeck’s concert hall Kolosseum. The concert is organized by the association Neue Musik im Ostseeraum, which aims to organize promotional concerts of Baltic and Scandinavian new music in Germany.
Premiere of Malle Maltis’s piece at King’s Place
Today, Malle Maltis’s new piece Nocturne for mezzo soprano, harp and flute will be premiered in London. Fresh opus on the text by Algernon Charles Swinburne will be performed at King’s Place within the concert dedicated to the 150th anniversary of Claude Debussy.
Galina Grigorjeva’s choral work in England
On November 24, St. Cecilia Concert will take place at Heptonstall Church, West Yorkshire, where the chamber choir The Hepton Singers will performing an atmospheric concert of mainly Russian music. The concert’s centrepiece will be a group of four works by Galina Grigorjeva.
Mirjam Tally’s premieres in Ljubljana and Stockholm
Yesterday, Mirjam Tally’s choral piece En strimma hav (A Strip of Ocean) was premiered in Ljubljana. Work written on Edith Södergran’s text was performed by Slovene chamber choir Ave under the direction of Jerica Gregorc Bukovec in Slovene Philharmonic Great Hall. Premiere of the ensemble work Membrane Fragmentation will take place tomorrow, November 20, at the festival Sound of Stockholm.
Erkki-Sven Tüür’s orchestral music in North and South America
In this and next week, Erkki-Sven Tüür’s orchestral works will be performed in state of Mississippi and Colombia. On November 16, Mississippi Symphony Orchestra will play "Insula deserta" under the baton of Crafton Beck. Marimba concerto "Ardor" will be performed at Teatro Pablo Tobón Uribe in Colombia, Medellín.
World premiere of Arvo Pärt’s „Habitare fratres in unum“ in Paris
On November 17, Arvo Pärt’s choral piece „Habitare fratres in unum“ will be premiered. New work dedicated to Josef Stanislaw Durek will be performed by Gregorian ensemble Vox Clamantis at the Collège des Bernardins in Paris.
10th birthday of Ensemble Resonabilis
On November 10 at 6 pm, ensemble Resonabilis will celebrate its 10th birthday with a concert in Tallinn Writers’ House. Program consists of two premieres and works from the present and past repertoire.
Festival „The World Drum“ in Tallinn
From November 8 to 10, percussion music festival „The World Drum“ takes place in Tallinn. During these three days, festival presents diverse percussion cultures from around the world and joint jam-sessions at the end of the concert. The classical day performs the best works written for percussion. The event finishes with a day of jazz.
Riho Maimets's new piece in Canada
Riho Maimets's new work Beatitude for solo violin and ensemble will be premiered in Canada by the Ensemble Contemporain de Montréal and violinist Véronique Mathieu in the concert tour from 2 to 13 November 2012 in Canada.
Trio Estonia in Canada
Last week, Trio Estonia (Arvo Leibur – violin, Aare Tammesalu – cello, Norman-Illis Reintamm – piano) was on concert tour in Canada, in major cities of Ontario. Ensemble presented a programme of Estonian and Esto-Canadian composers. Also string workshops to Toronto youngsters were given.
Author’s concert of Erkki-Sven Tüür in Czech
On November 1 at 8 pm, Erkki-Sven Tüür’s author’s concert will take place in Hradec Králové Philharmonic Hall. Composer’s compositions from the last twenty years will be performed by Brno Contemporary Orchestra under the direction of Pavel Šnajdr. Concert is part of the Music Forum Hradec Králové.
Erkki-Sven Tüür’s „Salve Regina“ in tour in Israel
Erkki-Sven Tüür’s "Salve Regina" version for violin and orchestra will be performed seven times in Isreal. The soloist and conductor in front of the Israel Netanya Kibbutz Orchestra will be Andres Mustonen.
Tõnu Kõrvits’s work 'The New Moon / A Ghealach Ur' performed in Mexico
Tõnu Kõrvits’s three part work 'The New Moon / A Ghealach Ur' for mezzo soprano, symphony orchestra and saxophone quartet was performed on October 26 in San Luis Potosí, Mexico.
Takahiro Akiba plays Tubin in Armenia
On October 26, Japanese pianist Takahiro Akiba holds a solo recital in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. Additionally to the works by Armenian composers he gives the Armenian premiere of Eduard Tubin's work Ballade on a theme of Mart Saar.
Una Corda plays Estonian Music in Sweden
Today, Ensemble Una Corda starts its concert tour in Sweden, where concerts will be performed in Stockholm and Visby. Program of Estonian music includes two premieres: Mirjam Tally’s „Streamline“ and a new version of the piece „Yellow“. At the Visby International Centre for Composers, Una Corda will give the master course of Estonian music created for this unique ensemble.
Works by Helena Tulve and Tatjana Kozlova at the World Music Days 2012
The annual festival of the International Society for Contemporary Music (ISCM) takes place from October 25 to November 4 in six cities of Belgium: Antwerp, Bruges, Brussels, Ghent, Leuven and Mons. Estonia is represented by two composers: Helena Tulve and Tatjana Kozlova, whose chamber music will be performed by Belgian ensembles.
Mirjam Tally’s new work for flute quartet
On October 24, Mirjam Tally’s "New Moon Morning" (2012) for amplified flute quartet will be premiered in Sweden. New work will be performed by Flute Quartet 40f in Härnösand Folkhögskola.
Toivo Tulev and Evelin Seppar at the new music festival „ARĒNA“
Toivo Tulev’s "Flow, My Tears" for vocal ensemble (2008) and Evelin Seppar’s "Sonnet No. 53" for mixed choir (2012) will be presented at the new music festival „Arēna“ in Latvia. Works will be performed by Latvian Radio Choir in Riga St. John’s Church on October 19.
Arvo Pärt composer recitals in Mexico
Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and Tallinn Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Tõnu Kaljuste will give three concerts of Arvo Pärt’s music in Mexico. Program consists of composer’s well-known works through four decades, including premiere of choral song Virgencita.
Piano music by Arvo Pärt and Mirjam Tally in Stockholm
On October 13 at 6 pm, concert La Belle Époque will take place in Stockholm chamber music hall Kulturkällaren. The evening will be filled with music by pianist Katarina Ström-Harg together with clarinettist Stefan Harg.
German premieres of Arvo Pärt’s works and presentation of new CD
On October 13, German premieres of Arvo Pärt’s "Adam’s Lament" (2009), "Alleluia-Tropus" (2008/2010) and "Salve Regina" (2001/2011) for mixed choir and string orchestra will be performed in Munich Herkulessaal. The concert presents Arvo Pärt’s new authorial CD "Adam’s Lament" released by ECM.
Ensemble Resonabilis at the Nordic Music Days 2012
On October 12, ensemble Resonabilis will appear on the stage of Nordic Music Days in Stockholm. Program consists of works by Ülo Krigul, Helena Tulve, Märt-Matis Lill and Tatjana Kozlova.
Mihkel Poll performs in United Kingdom
On October 8, pianist Mihkel Poll performs P. Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with Sinfonia of Birmingham under conducting of Richard Laing. The concert is held at Town Hall of Sutton Coldfield, UK.
The first performance of Tubin’s full Piano Sonata No. 1 in Tallinn
On October 4, pianist Marko Martin will perform for the first time in Tallinn the full version of Piano Sonata No. 1 (ETW 31) by Eduard Tubin. The concert is held at the Estonian Theatre and Music Museum at 17. The next performances of the work will take place on October 6 in Alatskivi castle and on October 16 in Kuressaare Music School.
Concert Clarinette omnitonique in Finland
Tomorrow, on October 4 2012, a concert entitled Clarinette Omnitonique is held at Sellosali (Cello Hall) in Espoo, Finland. Clarinettist Toomas Vavilov, violinist Arvo Leibur, violist Toomas Nestor and cellist Aare Tammesalu will perform works by Estonian, Finnish and Italian composers.
Annual Awards of the Estonian Music Council and the Estonian Cultural Endowment
On October 1, International Music Day, the laureates of music awards of the year 2012 were announced. For a lifetime achievements Estonian Music Council gave awards to Arvo Pärt, Neeme Järvi and Marje Lohuaru. Estonian Cultural Endowment's Music Foundation handed over nine prizes for outstanding activities in last season.
Mati Turi in role of Siegfried in Holland
In five evenings in October, Estonian tenor singer Mati Turi sings again in the role of Siegfried in Richard Wagner's opera Götterdämmerung, which will be performed at Wilminktheater in Enschede, the Netherlands.
Estonian National Male Choir on tour in Russia
Estonian National Male Choir starts its season under the baton of Mikk Üleoja with six concerts in Russia. A cappella program presents music by Cyrillus Kreek, Andres Lemba, Arvo Pärt, Galina Grigorjeva and Veljo Tormis, also works by Sergei Rachmaninov, Eric Whitacre and Giovanni Bonato.
Duo focus baroque performs in Germany
Duo focus baroque with Iren Lill (harpsichord) and Holger Faust-Peters (viola da gamba) performs on September 29 in Mühlheim, Germany in frame of concert series Abendmusik im Rumbachtal. The concert program consists of works by J. S. Bach, G. F. Händel ja G. Ph. Telemann.
Peeter Vähi’s percussion concerto under the direction of Kristjan Järvi in Germany
Peeter Vähi’s "Call of Sacred Drums" (2008) for taiko ensemble and symhony orchestra will be performed thrice in Germany. Performers are Hayashi Eitetsu Taiko Ensemble from Japan, MDR Sinfonieorchester and its new chief conductor Kristjan Järvi.
Autumn Festival of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre
The traditional new music feast in Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre from September 27 to 29 offers works by composition students, concert "John Cage 100" and many more. Festival guest is cellist, improviser and pedagogue Tapani Heikinheimo and his trio from Finland.
Opening concert of the season of Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir
Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir will perform a cappella program of Rudolf Tobias’s (1873–1918) and Max Reger’s (1873–1916) sacred choral music at the opening concert of their 31st season. Concerts will take place from September 27 - 29 in Haapsalu, Rakvere and Tallinn, the last one will reach via Klassikaraadio and Euroradio to many radio stations in Europe.
Toivo Tulev’s “Gare de l’Est” at the festival Warsaw Autumn
Warsaw Autumn, one of the most important international contemporary music festivals in the world presents Toivo Tulev’s ensemble work Gare de l’Est (1999) in its program. The piece will be performed by Aukso Chamber Orchestra conducted by Marek Moś. Concert will take place on September 24 at 7.30 pm in Witold Lutosławski Polish Radio Concert Studio.
International Festival Of Orthodox Sacred Music
From September 21 to October 1, festival of Orthodox music will take place in Tallinn, Narva and Rakvere. Eight concerts present mainly choral music, performers are from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Belarus, Serbia and Estonia.
Mirjam Tally’s orchestral work on tour in Ukraine
From September 19 to 27, new version of Mirjam Tally’s orchestral work "Winter Island" will be premiered in Ukraine. The performances are quite exceptional by the fact that all together four concerts will be performed by different orchestras. At every concert the soloists are Duo Violoncellissimo (Olga Veselina-Vadim Larchikov), conductor is Masataka Matsuo.
Riho Maimets’s percussion work played in Canada
From September 14 to 29, Canadian percussion ensemble TorQ Percussion Quartet gives six concerts during its debute tour in East Canada. The concert program includes work 'Chorale Groove' for two vibraphones and two marimbas by Riho Maimets.
Takahiro Akiba performs piano music by Urmas Sisask
On Saturday, September 15 an evening of music and story 'Voices from Starry Sky' is held at Ueda-city Information Library Hall in Ueda, Japan. Pianist Takahiro Akiba performs piano works by Urmas Sisask with the storyteller Yuichi Inagaki.
The premiere of Erkki-Sven Tüür's String Quartet in Munich and performances in Germany and London
On September 13, Tüür’s String Quartet No. 2 "Lost Prayers" will be premiered in Munich Prinzregententheater. This is commissioned work of the 61st ARD International Music Competition for string quartets in the semifinal.
Presentation of the new CD of Ensemble Resonabilis
This week, Ensemble Resonabilis presents its second CD that celebrates their 10th anniversary. Album titled "North Wind, South Wind" presents freshest Estonian music by authors like Jüri Reinvere, Tatjana Kozlova, Eugene Birman, Tauno Aints, Andrus Kallastu, Kristjan Kõrver and Helena Tulve.
New CD with Peeter Süda’s complete organ music
English record label Toccata Classics has released Peeter Süda’s (1883–1920) complete organ music performed by Ines Maidre. Süda’s seven completed organ opuses constitute a much-treasured contribution to the beginnings of Estonian organ music. The release date is October 1, 2012, but digital downloads are available through the site of Toccata Classics.
Inaugural concerts of Mägi Ensemble
This weekend, Mägi Ensemble from USA will give its first concerts in Edmonds and Seattle. Named for the “First Lady of Estonian Music”, Ester Mägi, the core ensemble is a group of six talented singers, University of Washington Chamber Singers alumni, expanding to include also instrumental pieces. The Mägi Ensemble works to perform and record compositions from the Baltic region.
Arvo Pärt’s Days from September 7 to 11
The focus of this year’s festival is on concert-show Passio on Arvo Pärt’s music by Finnish Dance Theatre ERI. The three performances of Passio are held on 7., 8. and 9. september at Noblessner Foundry in Tallinn. The festival closes with composer’s birthday concert on September 11 at 8 pm in Tallinn St. John’s Church.
“Eller 125” at Nargen Festival
Within the Nargen Festival, the anniversary of the birth year of Estonian music classic Heino Eller will be celebrated with chamber music evenings, symphonic concert and theatre play.
Tallinn Chamber Music Festival
From August 24 to 31, concert venues in Tallinn will be filled with copious music program and outstanding musicians. Also festival tent is opened at Vabaduse Square, where free concerts may be enjoyed. The artistic director of the festival is opera singer Pille Lill.
Pühalepa Music Festival
From August 17 to 19, Pühalepa Music Festival will take place for the first time on the island of Hiiumaa in Estonia. Concerts at Pühalepa church present early music as well as works by Erkki-Sven Tüür, who was born on Hiiumaa.
Izumi Tateno premieres new piano work by Urmas Sisask
On Saturday, August 11 at 6 pm, Eivere Manor House (Paide, Estonia) hosts a concert of piano music, where Japanese pianist Izumi Tateno performs works by J. S. Bach, A. Scriabin and others, and a new piano work for left hand by Urmas Sisask will be premiered. The concert is free.
Birgitta Festival in Tallinn to begin
From August 11 to 20, music theatre event Birgitta Festival will take place in the ruins of medieval Pirita (Birgitta) convent in Tallinn. This year, the program consists of two oratorios, four operas, ballet and concerts of vocal ensemble.
New works of Riho Maimets in Italy and Finland
On the first two days of August, two works by Riho Maimets will be performed at highSCORE festival in Pavia, Italy. One of the two works – Ecstasis for clarinet and guitar will be played as a World Premiere. A week later, on August 7, another World Premiere will take place in Helsinki, Finland, where Northon Quartet performs his new work illalla for flute, oboe, kantele and guitar.
Performances of Erkki-Sven Tüür’s opera „Wallenberg“ in Germany
In July, Erkki-Sven Tüür’s opera Wallenberg will be staged in Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe with Tobias Schabel and Lucas Harbour in the main role. Conductor is Johannes Willig, director Tobias Kratzer, stage design and costumes are created by Rainer Sellmaier. Performances will take place on July 7, 11, 13 and 18.
UK premiere of Tõnu Kõrvits’s “Kreek’s Notebook”
This Wednesday, Tõnu Kõrvits’s "Kreek’s Notebook" (2007) will receive its UK premiere in London. Eight-part work for choir and strings based on Estonian folk tunes will be performed by The Choir of Royal Holloway nad Britten Sinfonia under the baton of Rupert Gough. Concert will take place on June 20 at 7.30 pm at Shoreditch Church within the Spitalfields Summer Festival.
New work by Toivo Tulev in Amsterdam
On June 14, a new work by Toivo Tulev entitled Pöördub algusse / Returns to the beginning (2012) for chamber orchestra and prepared piano will be premiered at Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ in Amsterdam. The concert also includes works by Arvo Pärt and Alfred Schnittke.
The performance of Erkki-Sven Tüür’s Cello Concerto in St. Petersburg
Last week, Erkki-Sven Tüür’s Cello Concerto (1996) could have been listened at the final concert of the V Festival of Contemporary Music "New Horizons" in St. Petersburg. The work was performed by Ivan Monighetti (cello) and Mariinsky Theatre Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Valery Gergiev.
Concerts of the Association of Estonian Professional Musicians in June
In June, the Association of Estonian Professional Musicians’ 10th season will continue with four chamber concerts, taking place in Kiviõli, Võru and Tallinn. The list of musicians performing there includes tenor Oliver Kuusik, violinist Ivi Ots, pianist Ralf Taal and Age Juurikas.
Concert “Tubiniana” in Tokyo
Tomorrow, concert of music by Estonian great composer Eduard Tubin (1905–1982) will take place. The event is dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the death of Eduard Tubin and will be accomplished by Estonian Music Project initiatiated by Takahiro Akiba – Japanese pianist and musicologist and the admirer of Estonian music.
Erkki-Sven Tüür’s orchestral works at the closing of the season of Sinfonietta Riga
Latvian chamber orchestra Sinfonietta Rīga will close its season with Erkki-Sven Tüür’s orchestral works. The program includes Tüür’s accordion concerto Prophecy (2007) with the bright young Latvian musician Ksenija Sidorova being the soloist, and string cycle Action.Passion.Illusion (1993).
New work by Riho Maimets premiered in Sweden
In the concert held on May 28 at 7.15 pm at the Swedish Collegium for Advanced Study in Uppsala, Sweden, the Stenhammar Quartet premiers works by the participants of the Master Class in Composition 2012. A new work for string quartet by Riho Maimets will meet its first performance.
Works by Liis Viira and Jüri Reinvere at the International Rostrum of Composers
The International Rostrum of Composers takes in this year place from May 22 to 25 in Stockholm. Estonian music is represented by works of Liis Viira and Jüri Reinvere. Tiia Teder, the chief editor at Klassikaraadio will also take part of jury’s work. The results will be announced in the afternoon of May 25.
The Estonian Choir of Stockholm performs in pärnu and Tallinn
On may 18 and 19, the Estonian Choir of Stockholm gives two concerts in Pärnu and Tallinn. The program consists of works by Lars-Erik Larsson, Toomas Tuulse and J. H. Roman, and Swedish folk music. With the Estonian Choir of Stockholm the music will be performed by Pärnu City Orchestra and chamber choir Amabile under conducting of Toomas Tuulse and Henry Turu, soloists Meeli Lass (soprano), Alar Pintsaar (baritone) and narrator Haide Männamäe.
New choral work by Riho Maimets premiered in Toronto
On May 15 at 7:30 pm, the Tartu Academic Female Choir gives concert at Trinity-St Paul's United Church, Toronto. An arrangement of an ancient Estonian lullaby, Lase kiik käia (Let the Cradle Swing), written by young Estonian-Canadian composer Riho Maimets for this particular choir, will be premeried.
Premiere of Helena Tulve’s chamber work in Italy and Austria
Helena Tulve’s new work "Rimlands" (2012) for clarinet, cello and piano will be premiered by Paul Meyer (clarinet), Alban Gerhardt (cello) and Thomas Larcher (piano) on May 12 at Casòn Hirschprunn, Italy, and May 14 in the Swarovski Crystal Worlds, Austria, within the festival "Musik im Riesen".
Vox Clamantis performs in Japan
From May 3 to 5, ensemble Vox Clamantis with its conductor Jaan-Eik Tulve will perform at festival La Folle Journée de Tokyo in Japan. A total of five concerts will be given. The program includes the Russian Orthodox music and works by Arvo Pärt and Cyrillus Kreek.
Riho Maimets wins the Villiers Quartet Competition
On Sunday, April 29, the final round and concert of the Villiers Quartet’s new works’ competition took place at St. Andrew's Church, Fulham Fields, London. The winning work of the contest is Sanctus by Riho Maimets.
Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir in Portugal
On April 28 and 29, the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir with conductor Daniel Reuss gives three concerts in Portugal. The concerts will take place in frame of the festival 'The Human Voice' in Lissabon. Estonian music is presented by works of Cyrillus Kreek, Arvo Pärt and Galina Grigorjeva.
Arvo Pärt’s music in London
On April 28, a day dedicated to Arvo Pärt’s music is held at London Barbican Centre, featuring a discussion circle, film presentation and three concerts. Among the works by Arvo Pärt, the music inspired by his creation will be heard. On April 26, Arvo Pärt’s work Adam’s Lament was for the first time performed in front of London’s public.
Riho Maimets’s Sanctus performed in London
On Sunday, April 29 at 3 pm, the Villiers Quartet (UK) will be performing Sanctus by Riho Maimets at St. Andrew's Church, Fulham Fields, London at the final concert of the Villiers Quartet’s new works’ competition.
The premiere of Jüri Rienvere’s orchestral work in Finland
Already some days after the premiere of Purge in Helsinki, Jüri Reinvere will have another first performance in Finland. At the concert “Sofi Oksanen – music of her time”, Jyväskylä Sinfonia and Kuopio Symphony Orchestra will give the premiere of Jüri Reinvere’s “Norilsk, the Daffodils”.
Piano piece by Vsevolod Pozdejev premiered in Latvia
On April 12 2012 the piece 'Smiles' for two pianos by Vsevolod Pozdejev was premiered at chamber music contest in Marupe, Latvia. The performers were young pianists, piano students from Narva Music School. The duo of young pianists won the 1st prize at the competition and a diploma for performace of the piece by Vsevolod Pozdejev.
Tobias String Quartet will perform in Moldova and Ukraine
On April 20 and 21, Tobias String Quartet will give two concerts in Moldova and Ukraine. Violinists Maano Männi and Kristjan Hallik, violist Toomas Nestor and cellist Aare Tammesalu will perform music by Arvo Pärt, Rudolf Tobias and Edvard Grieg.
World premiere of Jüri Reinvere's opera “Purge” at the Finnish National Opera
On April 20, Jüri Reinvere’s opera "Purge" will reach on the stage of Finnish National Opera. Opera is based on the novel of Sofi Oksanen and tells about the Estonian history during the time of Soviet occupation through the tragical destinies of women of one family. Opera will be performed in Finnish and Estonian, conductor is Paul Mägi, director Tiina Puumalainen.
CD with music of René Eespere and Arvo Pärt was released in Argentina
In the beginning of 2012, guitar music CD My heart's in the highlands of guitarist Esteban Colucci was released in Argentina. CD consists mainly of Estonian music: there are Colucci’s arrangements of Arvo Pärt’s famous piano pieces Für Alina, Variations for the Healing of Arinushka and Für Anna Maria as well as René Eespere’s Motus, Evocatio, Tactus sensus, Immutatio and Staminis.
New CD “Creator Spiritus” of Arvo Pärt has been released
In the beginning of April, Harmonia Mundi released Arvo Pärt’s authorial CD Creator Spiritus. Music is performed by longtime interpreter of Pärt’s music, Paul Hillier, with his vocal ensembles Theatre of Voices and Ars Nova Copenhagen, organist Christopher Bowers-Broadbent and Estonian collective NYYD Quartet: Harry Traksmann (violin), Juta Õunapuu (violin), Torsten Tiebout (viola, Finland) and Leho Karin (cello).
Estonian National Opera Boys' Choir 40
In this season, the Estonian National Opera Boys' Choir celebrates its 40th anniversary. Three jubilee concerts will be held in Pärnu (April 15), Tallinn (April 21) and Tartu (April 28) with choral works by Arvo Pärt, Urmas Sisask, Cyrillus Kreek, Felix Mendelssohn and Heinrich Schütz.
Premiere of Galina Grigorjeva at the birthday concert of Klassikaraadio
On April 10 at 7 pm, ensemble Resonabilis will give a concert with new and fresh program in the First Studio of Estonian Radio. Galina Grigorjeva’s Insomnia for voice, flute, kannel and cello (2012) will be premiered.
Tõnu Kõrvits and Galina Grigorjeva at the Scandinavian Saxophone Festival
From April 1 to 5, the 4th Scandinavian Saxophone Festival is held in Drammen, Norway. The festival includes 7 concerts, of which one is dedicated to Baltic music. The works by Tõnu Kõrvits, Galina Grigorjeva, Arvo pärt, Rihards Dubra and Ester Mägi will be performed.
Estonian Music Information Centre successful at the Frankfurt Musikmesse
From March 21 to 24, team of Estonian Music Information Centre (EMIC) attended the Musikmesse Frankfurt. The axis of EMIC’s concept at the fair was introduction the Estonian music as a consistent and original cultural phenomena – it comprised the „big names“ as well as talented authors of middle and younger generation who have less caught attention. About 1000 people visited the box, EMIC created the contacts nearly with 70 persons from music organisations.
Estonian National Symphony Orchestra in St. Petersburg
Today, on March 29 Estonian National Symphony Orchestra with conductor Andres Mustonen will perform at the Grand Hall of the St. Petersburg Philharmonia where the concert dedicated to the 80th birthday of composer Sofia Gubaidulina will take place.
Tallinn Music Week
From Thursday to Saturday, 183 bands and artists from 13 countries will be on the stages of Tallinn concert venues to perform at the biggest indoor festival in the Baltic region. This year’s TMW, so far with the greatest number of participants, has concerts on seven festival stages and includes the showcase of classical stars and Estonian contemporary composers. Music industry conference will take place from March 30 to 31 at the Nordic Hotel Forum.
World premiere of wind quintet by Kristjan Kõrver
On March 29, 30 and 31, wind quintet Estica gives three concerts in Tartu, Pärnu and Tallinn. The concert program is dedicated to 70th anniversary of legendary Estonian Jaan Tamm Wind Quintet. A new work by Kristjan Kõrver will meet its premiere.
Performances of Estonian choral music at St. John’s Church
On March 25, concert „About Love and Life“ will take place at St. John’s Church, Tallinn. The program, which has been put together by conductor Veronika Portsmuth, consists of Estonian choral music – next to the pieces by Veljo Tormis, Margo Kõlar and Urmas Sisask, the premieres of Toivo Tulev’s, Kristo Matson’s and Evelin Seppar’s pieces will take place.
Mirjam Tally's new work in Stockholm
On March 24, Mirjam Tally’s new work Moonwalker for bass clarinet, drum set and string quintet will be premiered in Studio 2 at the Swedish Radio, Stockholm. The work will be performed by Swedish ensemble Sonanza which celebrates its 30th anniversary with the concert.
Sten Lassmann presents the second CD with piano music by Heino Eller
On March 24 at 4 pm, pianist Sten Lassmann presents his second CD "Heino Eller. Complete Piano Music. Volume two" at the hall of the Estonian Theatre and Music Museum. The presentation also includes a concert-lecture "Heino Eller and Estonian Music" by Lassmann.
Finnish premiere of Helena Tulve's work L'ombre derriere toi
On March 23, orhcestral work L'ombre derrière toi by Helena Tulve will meet its Finnish premiere in Kokkola, Finland in occasion of Finnish 47th nationwide orchestra days. The Ostrobothnian Chamber Orchestra is conducted by Juha Kangas and the concert is held in Snellman Hall, Kokkola.
Estonian Music Days Festival 2012
Estonian Music Days Festival 2012 will take place from March 19 to 24, this year’s festival reflects the spirit of playing in the band. The ’bands’ of Estonian contemporary music are represented by New Tallinn Trio, Konveier Ensemble, Una Corda, Repoo Ensemble, ensemble Resonabilis, ensemble U:, vocal ensemble Heinavanker, also Kosmofon, Rainer Jancis & Band, Ratkiller, Estonian National Symphony Orchestra and Tallinn Chamber Orchestra. The guest performer at the festival is Esbjerg Ensemble from Denmark.
Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir at the Oslo International Church Music Festival
On March 15 at 7.30 pm, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir under the direction of Daniel Reuss will give a concert of a cappella choral music in Oslo Cathedral. The program consists of Arvo Pärt’s Kanon Pokajanen and Johannes Brahms’s motet Warum ist das Licht gegeben. One of the Norway’s leading church music festivals states in the program that it is a great pleasure and a very special event that the world-famous choir is performin in Oslo.
Works of Arvo Pärt and Veljo Tormis in Madrid
On March 14, a concert of choral music is held in Madrid, among the others also works by Arvo Pärt and Veljo Tormis will be performed. The conductor of Spanish Radio and Television Choir is Carlos Kalmar.
Concerts of the Association of Estonian Professional Musicians in March
In March, the 10th season of the Association of Estonian Professional Musicians will continue with concerts of Mati Turi (tenor), Martti Raide (piano), Mikk Murdvee (violin), Sten Lassmann (piano) and piano quintet (Mikk Murdvee, Mari-Katrina Suss, Anne Ilves, Henry-David Varema, Peep Lassmann). These seven concerts will take place in Rapla, Türi, Pärnu, Tartu and Tallinn.
Villiers Quartet's New Works Competition online voting now open
The British Villiers Quartet announced the competion for new compositions from young composers as part of its 2011-2012 concert season. Six composers, including Riho Maimets, have been chosen for the semifinal round of the competition. The online voting is open from now to 5th of April.
Welt gebaut ist - Portrait concert of Andrus Kallastu
On Tuesday, March 6 at 7 pm, Andrus Kallastu’s portrait concert ’Welt gebaut ist’ is held in Tallinn St. Nicholas church. Music by Andrus Kallastu is performed by ensemble Resonabilis and Repoo Ensemble.
Two evenings with music of Arvo Pärt in Amsterdam Muziekgebouw
This week, Netherlands Chamber Choir in conjunction with Netherlands Chamber Orchestra under the baton of Risto Joost will give two concert entitled Pärt & Bach, where Arvo Pärt’s vocal and instrumental music will be performed together with music by Bach family.
Concerts „Golden Classics“ in Jõhvi, Tallinn and Pärnu
From March 1 to 3, three concerts in the concerts series “Golden Classics” will take place in Jõhvi, Tallinn and Pärnu where pianist Ivari Ilja, conductor Anu Tali and the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra will perform works by Glinka, Chopin and Tchaikovsky.
Erkki-Sven Tüür’s orchestral works in Germany, Switzerland and Latvia
In March 2012, Erkki-Sven Tüür’s works Searching for Roots, Insula deserta and Action.Passion.Illusion will be performed in Germany, Switzerland and Latvia.
Riho Maimets chosen to be semifinalist on Villiers Quartet New Works Competition
The British Villiers Quartet announced the competion for new compositions from young composers as part of its 2011-2012 concert season. Six composers have been chosen for the semifinal round of the competition.
Estonian chamber music in Italy
On February 25, a concert of Estonian chamber music is held in Italy, Bergamo. The music is performed by Estonian pianist Diana Liiv and Italian musicians Marcella Moretti (cello), Cesare Zanetti (violin) and Edgar Cattaneo (piano). The program consists of works by Arvo Pärt, Helena Tulve, Urmas Sisask and Heino Eller, and includes the premiere of a new work for four hands piano by Malle Maltis.
Tõnu Kõrvits’s music for silent film will be performed once again in France
On February 24, Tõnu Kõrvits’s music for silent feature film La Passion selon Jeanne d’Arc, directed by Danish film director Carl Theodor Dreyer in 1928, will be once again performed in France. Music premiered in 2009 by Ensemble de Basse-Normandie will be performed this time by Orchestre Lyrique de Région Avignon Provence in Avignon, at Cinéma Le Capitole. Conductor is Sébastien Billard.
Improvised music and dance at the Pärnu Contemporary Art Museum
On Sunday, February 26 at 14, a concert of impovised music and dance will be held at the Pärnu Contemporary Art Museum in the concert series Abonement 007 of Pärnu Opera. The improvisers are Anto Pett (piano), Leonora Palu (flute), Indrek Palu (violin) and Raido Mägi (dance). The artistic director of the series is composer and conductor Andrus Kallastu.
Concert of Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Kristjan Randalu and Mikk Murdvee in Helsinki
To celebrate the 94th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, the Estonian Embassy in Helsinki will organize a concert at the Sibelius Academy on February 22. Estonian composers' music will be performed by Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, pianist Kristjan Randalu and conductor Mikk Murdvee.
The second concert of the series “Treasury of Estonian Music”
The second concert of the series Treasury of Estonian Music presents Estonian choral music classics performed by Estonian National Male Choir. Program entitled Dialectical Observations Concerning a Republic consists of works by Veljo Tormis, Artur and Villem Kapp, Aleksander Läte, Konstantin Türnpu and Aleksander Kunileid.
Concerts A Tre by ensemble Una Corda
Ensemble Una Corda gives two concerts of Estonian music. The concerts take place on February 12 at Saue Music School and on February 23 in Tallinn Blackheads’ Guild Hall. The programme includes works of Estonian composers from the past 100 years, a new work by Margo Kõlar will be first performed.
Premiere of new dance performance with music by Ardo Ran Varres
On February 18, a new dance performance Carrrmen! will be premiered in theatre Vanemuine in Tartu. The music for the dance performance is composed by Ardo Ran Varres, choreographer and director is Ruslan Stepanov. The preparation time for the dance performance has been lasting almost three years and resulted now with a fantastical and experimenting stage work.
New piece by Timo Steiner in the new series of the Tallinn Philharmonic Society
The Tallinn Philharmonic Society starts new concert series entitled Doppio Passione / Kahekordne Kirg [Double Passion] which feature wind and percussion players. The opening concert of the series on February 18 at 7 pm at the Tallinn Blackheads Guildhall presents also a new work entitled … seem like moving although I wish them to stand still for clarinet, percussion and string orchestra by Timo Steiner.
Ester Mägi’s jubilee concert at Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre
On Sunday, concert "Jubilate – Ester Mägi 90" will take place in Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre. Ester Mägi's chamber music will be performed by students and pedagogues of EAMT.
6th Tallinn Winter Festival
The 6th Tallinn Winter Festival will take place from February 20 to 28. Five concerts will be held at Tallinn Town Hall, Hopner House and St. Charles church. List of performers include violinists Sigrid Kuulmann, Ivi Ots, pianists Age Juurikas, Piia Paemurru, Marko Martin, Mati Mikalai, Lea Leiten, vocalists Oliver Kuusik, Karolis Kaljuste, Toomas Kolk, flutist Oksana Sinkova, the Chamber Orchestra of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre and many others. The Artistic Director of the festival is soprano Pille Lill.
Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir at the opening concert of Chor@Berlin 2012
On February 16, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir with its conductor Daniel Reuss will give the opening concert of the festival Chor@Berlin 2012. Programme consists of Estonian music: Arvo Pärt, Galina Grigorjeva, Cyrillus Kreek, Mart Saar and Veljo Tormis.
New CD of ensemble „focus baroque“
German record company ARS Produktion has released new CD entitled "Avec Privilege du Roy", where German-Estonian ensemble "focus baroque" – Holger Faust-Peters (viola da gamba) and Iren Lill (harpsichord) – performs music by Marin Marais, François Couperin, Jean-Philippe Rameau, Louis Heudelinne and Louis de Caix d´Hervelois.
Ensemble Resonabilis in Dublin with Estonian music
On February 16 at 7 pm, evening of Estonian and Irish contemporary music and poetry will take place at Irish Writers' Centre. Ensemble Resonabilis will give a concert with a music by Galina Grigorjeva (premiere), Mirjam Tally, Helena Tulve, Andrus Kallastu and Tatjana Kozlova. Poems by contemporary Estonian poets will be read by Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill and Miriam McIlfatrick-Ksenofontov.
Concerts of the Association of Estonian Professional Musicians in February
In February, the 10th season of the Association of Estonian Professional Musicians will continue with concerts of pianist Age Juurikas, duo Andreas Lend – Maarit Saarmäe and ensemble Una Corda. These six concerts will take place in Jõhvi, Narva, Saue and Tallinn.
Jaan Rääts and Tõnu Kõrvits awarded the Cultural Prize of the Republic of Estonia
By the decision of Estonian Government, the Cultural Prize of the Republic of Estonia was ascribed to Hellar Grabbi, Jaan Rääts and Jaan Tooming for a long-time activity and outstanding creative achievements. The prize for outstanding artistic achievements in 2011 was awarded to composer Tõnu Kõrvits.
In spe – concert with music of Arvo Pärt and W. A. Mozart
The 4th concert in the series 'Saaga' (Saga), organised by the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra and the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir features music by two great classical composers - Arvo Pärt and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The Estonian premiere of Arvo Pärt’s In spe for wind quintet and string orchestra will take place on February 10.
Young soloists will give the premiere of works by Galina Grigorjeva and Urmas Sisask
On February 9 at 6 pm concert Virtuosi of Kivimäe will take place in Tallinn House of Brotherhood of Black Heads where the soloists of Tallinn Music High School will perform with the Tallinn Chamber Orchestra. Traditional concert of young soloists and TCO includes first performances of works by Estonian authors.
The Estonian Cultural Endowment's award 2011 to Anti Marguste
On January 28, the Estonian Cultural Endowment gave its annual awards of the year 2011 at theatre Endla in Pärnu. Award of the year 2011 was awarded to composer Anti Marguste for his music that bears and develops values of Estonian folk music, ethnic traditions and national heritage. The Music Foundation award was given to Veronika Portsmuth and Raul Talmar for youth song and dance celebration Maa ja ilm in 2011.
Erkki-Sven Tüür’s orchestral works in Oslo and Ottawa
In the beginning of February, Erkki-Sven Tüür’s orchestral works will be performed in Norway and Canada. Viola Concerto Illuminatio (2008) will be played once again by Lars Anders Tomter, this time with Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra (1. and 2.02). Insula deserta (1989) will be performed by chamber orchestra Thirteen Strings under the baton of Bradley Thachuk in Ottawa St. Andrew's Church (10.02).
The 23rd festival MustonenFest - Barokk?! starts
The 23rd festival MustonenFest - Barokk?! will take place in Tallinn from January 27 to February 4. The festival offers a diverse program from barock opera to the best pieces of the 20th century film music, and persents a number of distinguished performers both from Estonia and abroad. The artistic director of the festival is Andres Mustonen.
Neeme Järvi and Estonian National Symphony Orchestra will perform all Brahms’ symphonies
From January to May, Estonian National Symphony Orchestra and their chief conductor Neeme Järvi will perform all four symphonies by Johannes Brahms. The first concert will take place on January 27 in Estonia Concert Hall. All of the concerts will be recorded by the Estonian Public Broadcasting.
Ensemble Una Corda presents its first CD with Estonian music
On January 28 at 2 pm, ensemble Una Corda will present its first CD at Tallinn Old Town Music House (Uus Str. 16c). The CD consists of original works as well as Una Corda’s arrangements of Estonian works from last century.
Swedish premiere of Helena Tulve’s “Anastatica” conducted by Olari Elts
On January 26, Helena Tulve’s Anastatica will be premiered by Uppsala Chamber Orchestra under the baton of Olari Elts in Uppsala Concert and Congress Hall. It will be the second premiere of this orchestral work – the joint commission of Uppsala orchestra and international new music festival “Nyyd” was first performed by Estonian National Symphony Orchestra in October 2011 in Tallinn.
Tõnu Kaljuste will conduct Arvo Pärt’s music in USA
Tõnu Kaljuste will conduct Arvo Pärts’ work Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten (1977/1980) for string orchestra and bell at three times in USA: Chicago, New York and Washington. This is Swedish National Youth Orchestra’s first tour in United States.
Anna Klas 100
On January 23, 100 years have passed since the birth of pianist and pedagogue Anna Klas (1912–1999). To commemorate this extraordinary lady in Estonian piano history, concert “Jubilate – Anna Klas 100” will take place at the chamber hall of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre today, at 5 pm. Students of Klas will perform (Ada Kuuseoks, Toivo Peäske, Vladima Jeremjan, Diana Liiv, Marina Kostik, Svetlana Kostik, Nata-Ly Sakkos), a DVD and a book of memories will be presented.
Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir presents Estonian music to school youth
From January 23 to 27, the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir in collaboration with G. Ots Tallinn Music School gives free concerts at various schools in Estonia. The best works of Estonian choral music will be performed by a joint choir of EPCC and the students of the Tallinn Georg Ots Music School.
New choral work by Mirjam Tally
On Saturday, January 21, a new choral work by Mirjam Tally, entitled Animalistic Hymn, will be premiered in Stockholm St Jacob’s church by Swedish Radio Choir under conducting of Peter Dijkstra.
New work by Helena Tulve performed by Tallinn Chamber Orchestra
On January 21, Helena Tulve’s L'ombre derrière toi for three gambas and strings will be premiered at the concert of Tallinn Chamber Orchestra. Concert belongs to the series Talents at Home and presents young flutist Heili Rosin, who is the student of Hochschule für Musik Freiburg, laureate of several competitions and concertmaster of the flute group in Estonian National Opera.
World premieres at Pärnu Museum of New Art
On Sunday, works by Hans-Gunter Lock, Monika Mattiesen, Malle Maltis and Andrus Kallastu will receive their world premieres at Pärnu Museum of New Art within the Pärnu Opera series Abonement 007. New pieces will be performed by conceptual music theatre ensemble Repoo Ensemble: Kai Kallastu (soprano), Leonora Palu (flute), Edmunds Altmanis (clarinet), Kristina Kriit (violin), Aare Tammesalu (cello) and Jorma Toots (piano).
Ester Mägi 90
On January 10, composer Ester Mägi celebrates her 90th birthday. The concert of Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, dedicated to composer’s jublee, takes place on January 13 at 19 at Estonia concert hall. During the whole week, the Klassikaraadio will feature a number of music performances and special programs dedicated to the composer. The Estonian Female Song Society celebrates Ester Mägi’s birthday with a choir competition.
Erkki-Sven Tüür’s orchestral music in Cardiff and Moscow conducted by Olari Elts and Paavo Järvi
On January 11, Exodus (1999) will be performed in Wales, BBC Hoddinott Hall by BBC National Orchestra of Wales under the direction of Olari Elts. Orchestral work Aditus (2000/2002) will open the concert on January 20 in Moscow Conservatory Great Hall where Russian National Symphony Orchestra will be conducted by Paavo Järvi.
Siim Aimla is the Musician of the Year 2011
Every year, the Estonian National Broadcasting gives the honorary title of Musician of the Year to an Estonian musician, whose creative achievements have been helping to develop musical culture of Estonia and who has worked with Estonian National Broadcasting. As selected by the editors of the Estonian National Broadcasting, the Musician of the Year 2011 is performer, conductor and composer Siim Aimla.
The premiere of Urmas Sisask’s cantata
Tomorrow, Urmas Sisask’s cantata Phoenix will be premiered at the concert The Star of Betlehem of vocal ensemble Orthodox Singers. The new piece for choir, soloists, guitar and button accordion is dedicated to peace, love and tolerance between all people in the world. Ensemble is directed by Valeri Petrov, performers are also Daniel Julle (guitar) and Igor Jermakov (accordion).
Concerts of the Association of Estonian Professional Musicians in January
In January, the 10th season of the Association of Estonian Professional Musicians will continue with concerts in Tallinn, Jõhvi, Pärnu and Põltsamaa. The list of performers include soprano Pille Lill, pianists Marje Lohuaru, Ralf Taal, Irina Zahharenkova, violinist Anna-Liisa Bezrodny, cellist Henry-David Varema, percussionist Madis Metsamart and trumpeter Indrek Vau.