News

„The Nutcracker“ by Estonian National Symphony Orchestra

Estonian National Symphony Orchestra will perform on December 19 at Estonia Concert Hall and December 20 at Vanemuine Concert Hall. Besides the title piece of the concert, Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s „The Nutcracker“, program consists Richard Strauss “Whipped Cream” and Wilhelm Stenhammar´s Piano Concerto No.1. Conductor Mikko Franck, soloist Per Tengstrand (piano, Sweden).

EBU (European Broadcasting Union) Christmas Concert by Vox Clamantis and Schola Sanctae Sunnivae

EBU (European Broadcasting Union) Christmas Concert is live broadcast in several European countries and Klassikaraadio has this time chosen a joint concert featuring the best Estonian and Norwegian Gregorian ensembles Vox Clamantis and Schola Sanctae Sunnivae (norway). Contserts will take place on December 14 at Jõhvi St. Michael's Church and December 15 at Tallinn St. Nicholas' Church. Program conducted by Jaan-Eik Tulve and Anne Kleivset consists gregorian chorales, Norwegian spiritual folk songs, Estonian and Norwegian contemporary music.

Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir performs in Singapore

On December 13, Estonian Chamber Choir with Tõnu Kaljuste will perform within the festival „Voices – A Festival of Song“ in Singapore. The program consists of choral music by Arvo Pärt, Veljo Tormis and Johann Sebastian Bach, Johannes Brahms and Claude Debussy. On December 13, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and Tõnu Kaljuste will also present a workshop at Esplande Recital Studio.

René Eespere author’s evening „Fratres – LX“

In honor of composer René Eespere who celebrates his 60th birthday on Saturday, author’s concert „Fratres – LX“ will take place on December 14 at 7 pm in Tallinn House of Blackheads. Author’s music will be performed by ensemble Hortus Musicus under the direction of Andres Mustonen and Tallinn Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Paul Mägi, also Aurelia Eespere (soprano), Indrek Vau (trumpet), Heili Rosin (flute), Olev Ainomäe (oboe), Eda Peäske (harp), Anto Õnnis (percussion), Rein Roos (percussion) and Ivo Sillamaa (celesta). Concert will be broadcast live on Klassikaraadio.

Benefit concerts „Christmas Music in Three Churches“ in Tallinn and Helsinki

In the beginning of December, three memorial concerts „Christmas Music in Three Churches“ to remember those who perished in the Riga catastrophe will be held by the Rotary Clubs in Estonia, Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, Tallinn Philharmonic Society, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and Nargenfestival in Tallinn and Helsinki. The program includes also „Ave Maria“ (Estonian premiere) by Riho Esko Maimets.

Benjamin Britten's "War Requiem" at Estonia Concert Hall

Benjamin Britten´s "War Requiem" will be performed on 6th of December at Estonia Concert Hall by Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, mixed choir "Latvia" and Estonian National Opera Boys Choir. Soloists are Svetlana Kasyan (soprano, Russia), Paul Nilon (tenor, Great Britain) and Gavin Carr (baritone, Great Britain). Conductor Jan Latham Koenig (Great Britain).

Portrait concert of René Eespere in Germany

On December 5, René Eespere’s portrait concert of his chamber music will take place in Musikhochschule Münster. In addition to the concert, composer will give a composition and orchestration master courses as well as a lecture of his orchestral music during December 3–6.

I Heard You Singing – Helena Tulve and Tõnu Õnnepalu in the series "HELI ja KEEL"

On November 26 and December 2, HELIjaKEEL (SOUNDandLANGUAGE) concert series will open its second season with concerts „I Heard You Singing“ at Tallinn Teachers’ House and Tartu Vanemuine Concert House. Concerts, dedicated this time to the oeuvre of composer Helena Tulve and writer Tõnu Õnnepalu will feature "Ma kuulsin sind laulmas" ["I Heard You Singing"], "Ithaka", "To Night-Travellers, the Light", "Three Songs" and "Rimlands" (Estonian premiere) by Helena Tulve and poetry by Tõnu Õnnepalu. Music will be performed by Olga Voronova (violin), Leho Karin (cello), Toomas Vavilov (clarinet), Diana Liiv (piano), Miina Pärn (voice), Madis Metsamart, Vambola Krigul and Helena Tulve (percussion).

Toivo Tulev’s new piece to be premiered tonight in Copenhagen

Today, on November 22 at 10 pm, Toivo Tulev’s "Cecilia" (2013) for two female choirs, soloists and chamber orchestra will be premiered at the concert St. Cecilia Night in Copenhagen. Live broadcast from the Christiansborg Slotskirke can be watched via internet.

"The New Jerusalem" by Andres Uibo in Moscow

On November 22, the concert, which will take place at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Holy Virgin Mary, will feature once again Andres Uibo’s symphony „The New Jerusalem“. The work will be performed by Radio Orfei Symphony Orchestra and mixed choir Blagovest under the baton of Andrei Yakovlev and will be recorded on CD.

Portrait concert of Lepo Sumera in Tallinn House of Blackheads

On November 21 at 7 pm, another concert of Tallinn Philharmonic Society’s series "Portrait" will take place in Tallinn House of Blackheads. This time the concert presents composer Lepo Sumera (1950–2000), whose music will be introduced and performed by musicologist Merike Vaitmaa, Kadri-Ann Sumera (piano), Tõnu Kalm (clarinet), Oksana Sinkova (flute) and Karmen Puis (mezzo soprano).

Tõnu Kõrvits’s music for silent film at the concert in Hungary

Yesterday, on November 17, Tõnu Kõrvits’s music for silent film "La Passion selon Jeanne d’Arc", directed by Danish film director Carl Theodor Dreyer in 1928, was performed by Óbudai Danubia Orchestra in Budapest, National Theatre.

Erkki-Sven Tüür’s choral and orchestral works in Austria, Germany and United Kingdom

In the near future, Erkki-Sven Tüür’s choral and orchestral works will be performed at several churches and concert halls in Europe.

"Welt gebaut ist" by Andrus Kallastu to be performed in Pärnu and Helsinki

On November 16 and 19, recitals of composer Andrus Kallastu will take place in Pärnu and Helsingi where chamber work „Welt gebaut ist“ will be performed by Repoo Ensemble and ensemble Resonabilis. On November 14, Kallastu will speak about his musical language at Pärnu Artist House.

Estonian National Male Choir conducted by Nickolas Fink

Estonian National Male Choir will give recitals on 15th of November at Vanemuine Concert Hall and 16th of November at Estonia Concert Hall. Conducted by Swiss conductor Nicolas Fink, the choir will perform colourful and exciting program including works for male choir from such composers as Florent Schmitt, Francis Poulenc, Bohuslav Martinů and Richard Strauss.

Works by René Eespere to be performed in Germany

Recitals of composer René Eespere, who celebrates his 60th birthday, will continue in Berlin in November. On November 14, the top of his numerous chamber music will be presented at the Estonian Embassy in Berlin. On November 15, the brand new piece „Our Lullaby” will receive its premiere within the Festival International Guitar Academy Berlin.

Dorpat Trio performs chamber works by Erkki-Sven Tüür and Valter Ojakäär

On November 11 and 12, Dorpat Trio (Anna Samsonova – violin, Enno Lepnurm – cello, Irina Oja – piano) will perform in Käina and Kärdla. The program consists of "Fata morgana" (2002) by Erkki-Sven Tüür, Piano Trio by Valter Ojakäär (1955) and chamber music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Gustav Mahler.

Works of Mirjam Tally and Erkki-Sven Tüür at „Sound of Stockholm“

Works of Mirjam Tally and Erkki-Sven Tüür can be listened at the new music festival „Sound of Stockholm“ that takes place from November 5 to 9 in Stockholm Kulturhuset and Audiorama.

Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir on concert tour in the United States

From November 10 to 22, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir will give 9 concerts in the United States. The opening concert of the tour will take place on November 10 at Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center in New York where EPCC will perform together with Estonian National Symphony Orchestra. The tour of EPCC continues with a cappella vocal music concerts mainly on the East coast, but also on the North. The program of the concerts will feature Estonian choral music by Arvo Pärt, Veljo Tormis, Mart Saar, Cyrillus Kreek and Rudolf Tobias, also works by Johannes Brahms and Alfred Schnittke will be performed.

Estonian musicians at Athens Piano Festival

The 9th piano festival "Around the Piano" features Estonian musicians Sigrid Kuulmann (violin), Aare Tammesalu (cello) and Marko Martin (piano). The concert of the trio will take place at Athens Parnassos Hall on 8th november, accompanied by Austrian musicians ensemble Trio Van Beethoven. Their collaborative programme is called "Tallinn-Vienna-Athens in 80 minutes".

Tõnu Kõrvits represents Estonia at the World New Music Days

Annual ISCM World New Music Days presents this year Tõnu Kõrvits’s "Chaconne" (2008) for solo viola. The piece will be performed at the concert of Slovak violinist Milan Paľa in Košice Kasárne/Kulturpark on November 7. Festival takes place from November 4 to 14 in Austria and Slovakia, more precisely Košice, Bratislava and Vienna.

Tõnu Kaljuste conducts music by Arvo Pärt in London

On November 6, London Philharmonic Orchestra and London Philharmonic Choir under the guidance of Tõnu Kaljuste will perform music by Arvo Pärt at the oyal Festival Hall in London. The program consists of Berliner Messe, „Magnificat“ and Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten and also Offertorium by Sofia Gubaidulina.

World premiere of Erkki-Sven Tüür’s orchestral work „De Profundis“

In Friday, November 1 at 7 pm, concert of Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra will take place in Helsinki Music Center, where Erkki-Sven Tüür’s new orchestral work „De Profundis“ will be premiered. Concert will be broadcast live on YLE Radio 1.

Collegium Musicale performs Veljo Tormis’s „Forgotten People“ in whole-length

On November 1 and 4, chamber choir Collegium Musicale will perform all six parts of Veljo Tormis’s cycle „Forgotten People“ in Tartu and Tallinn. It’s the first time when the whole cycle will be performed from beginning to end in one concert.

Estonian National Symphony Orchestra on concert tour in the United States

From 28 October to 18 November, the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra will be touring for the second time in the United States. ENSO will give 15 concerts both on the East and West Coast. The tour concerts will be conducted by Neeme Järvi, Nikolai Alexeev and Anu Tali, soloists include cellists Narek Hakhnazaryan and Estonian Silver Ainomäe.

The Female Choir of Estonian Choral Conductors celebrates its 25th anniversary

On October 26, the Female Choir of Estonian Choral Conductors celebrates its 25th anniversary with concert at the White Hall of the House of Blackheads in Tallinn at 5 pm. The program consists of choral music for female choir by composers both from Estonia and abroad, including premiere performances by Estonian composers Pärt Uusberg, Piret Rips-Laul and Tiina Kiilaspea.

Concert „Tallinn-New York“ of Estonian National Symphony Orchestra and Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir

On October 25, Estonian National Symphony Orchestra and Estonian Philharmonic Chamber choir will give under the guidance of maestro Neeme Järvi so-called „farewell“ concert titled „Tallinn→New York“ at the Estonia Concert Hall in Tallinn. The program consists of music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Jean Sibelius and Overture No. 2 by Veljo Tormis and „In principio“ and „Da pacem Domine” by Arvo Pärt.

Tõnu Kõrvits’s saxophone piece in Amsterdam

Dutch duo – pianist, conductor and composer Henry Kelder and saxophonist Johan van der Linden – performs Tõnu Kõrvits’s "Wings" (2012) dedicated to Linden-Kelder duo in their next concert. Concert will take place on October 27 at 8.30 pm in Amsterdam Splendor and is titled after Kõrvits’s piece as "Wings".

Performance of Erkki-Sven Tüür’s Fifth Symphony in Helsinki

This week, Erkki-Sven Tüür’s Symphony No. 5 (2004) for orchestra, electric guitar and big band is in the program of two concerts of Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra. Guitar soloist is Nguyen Le, HPO is on stage together with UMO Jazz Orchestra, concert is conducted by Olari Elts.

The concert of Imbi and Raivo Tarum in Italy

On October 19, Imbi and Raivo Tarum will give a concert in Grottaferrata in Italy. The concert will feature the world premiere of brand new work "Four Naive Pieces for Harpsichord" (2013) by Estonian composer and pianist Rein Rannap. The program also includes music by composers of the Baroque era.

Toivo Tulev author’s concert in Tallinn Methodist church

On October 23 at 7 pm, Toivo Tulev author’s concert will take place in Tallinn Methodist church. Performers are Tallinn Chamber Orchestra and Latvian Radio Choir under the direction of Kaspars Putniņš, and soloists Heigo Rosin, Vambola Krigul, Ka Bo Chan, Age Juurikas, Virgo Veldi, Agate Burkina and Inga Martinsone. Concert will present the world premiere of Magnificat for choir, percussion and string orchestra.

New concert season of Corelli Music

Corelli Music opens the new season with baroque orchestra concerts in beautiful historical churches. To celebrate the jubilees of Arcangelo Corelli (who has given his name to the concert agency) and his famous compatriot Antonio Vivaldi, the programme reminds a musical journey to sunny baroque Italy.

Rehepapp or November by Tauno Aints premieres in Tartu

On October 18, Estonian original opera "Rehepapp or November" by Tauno Aints will receive its world premiere at The Small Building of Vanemuine Theatre. Brand new opera is based on novel of the same name by Andrus Kivirähk, libretto by Juhan Lennuk, directed by Marko Matvere. The leading role will be performed by beloved musician and song writer Tõni Mägi.

Concerts of new Nordic music

The concerts taking place soon in Estonian cities are part of international cooperation project Nordic Satellites, where ensembles performing in Helsinki, at the Nordic Music Days, will also perform in Baltic states and St. Petersburg. Estonian audience can listen Stockholm Saxophone Quartet, Defunensemble and Ensemble U:. Stockholm Saxophone Quartet will premiere Tatjana Kozlova-Johannes’s piece "Lost Motion".

Glasperlenspiel Sinfonietta concerts in Germany

Glasperlenspiel Sinfonietta concerts in Germany will be held on 12th october in Essen and 15th october at Cologne Philharmonic Hall. The program comprise works by Franz Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven.

XVIII International Tartu Early Music Festival „Orient et occident“

From October 10 to 12, International Tartu Early Music Festival Orient et Occident takes place for the 18th time. Five concerts feature Ensemble Mandragora (Switzerland) and Estonian viola da gamba consort Väike rinG, Agnethe Christensen (Sweden) and Leah Stuttard (England) and the Mohammad Rasouli Ensemble (Iran), Hu Yulin (China), Pt. Nayan Ghosh with his prodigy son Ishaan Ghoshiga (India) and Estonian musicians Lilian Langsepp (historical harp) with Robert Jürjendal (guitar) and Peeter Klaas (viola da gamba). The concerts will be held at University of Tartu Ceremonial Hall and Tartu St. John’s Church.

René Eespere author’s concerts in Moscow and St. Petersburg

Composer René Eespere celebrates his 60th birthday with concerts in Moscow and St. Petersburg, where the top of his numerous chamber music will be presented by Estonian performers. Concerts will take place from October 10 to 12 in Estonian Embassy and Composers' Union in Moscow, and St. John’s Church in St. Petersburg.

16th concert season of the Nordic Symphony Orchestra

Nordic Symphony Orchestra opens its 16th concert season on 9th october and 11th october 19.00 at Estonian Concert Hall and 10th october 19.00 at Vanemuine Concert Hall with concerts by A. Pärt´s, C. Nielsen´s and P. Tchaikovsky´s music. Soloist Erwin Klambauer (flute, Austria), conductor Anu Tali.

Chamber choir Voces Musicales concert tour to Japan

From October 6 to 9, chamber choir Voces Musicales opens its 15th concert season with 3 concerts in Japan. The first concert will be held together with Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa in Kanazawa and the program consits of The Creation by Jopseh Haydn. Additonally, the choir will give two a cappella concerts with Estonian choral music in Hakusan and Nano.

Ensemble Resonabilis performs Estonian music in Denmark and Germany

In the beginning of next week, ensemble Resonabilis will give concerts in Copenhagen and Usedom island in Germany. Concerts present notably imposing program of Estonian latest music: Tatjana Kozlova, Tõnu Kõrvits, Toivo Tulev, Jüri Reinvere, Kristjan Kõrver and Helena Tulve.

Tallinn Chamber Orchestra premieres a new work by Tõnu Kõrvits

On October 5, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra will open its new concert season with concert at the House of the Blackheads at 7 pm. The program consists of the premiere performance of new work by Tõnu Kõrvits and works by Heino Eller, Dmitri Shostakovitch and Pyotr Tchaikovsky.

Birthday concert of chamber choir Collegium Musicale

On October 3, chamber choir Collegium Musicale celebrates its 3rd birthday with a concert at Hopner House. The choir will perform choral music by Estonian composers like Rudolf Tobias, Erkki-Sven Tüür and Veljo Tormis, under the guidance of Endrik Üksvärav.

Annual Awards of the Estonian Music Council and the Cultural Endowment of Estonia

On October 1, International Music Day, the laureates of music awards of the year 2013 were announced. Ceremony took place in Tallinn, Estonia Concert Hall that can be watched on the webpage of Estonian National Broadcasting. Laureates of Estonian Music Council Music Prizes for the longtime contribution to Estonian music life are composer Sven Grünberg, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra and musicologist Tiia Järg.

Premieres of Arvo Pärt and Riho Esko Maimets in Toronto

On October 1 at 8 pm, concert "The Music of Arvo Pärt" will take place in Toronto Koerner Hall organised by Soundstreams – Toronto-based International Centre for New Directions in Music. The program consists of Canadian premieres of Arvo Pärt’s "L'abbé Agathon" and "Adam's Lament", and world premiere of Riho Esko Maimets’s "Ave Maria" for mixed choir and strings.

Premiere performances of new work by Toivo Tulev in Tartu and Tallinn

On October 2 and 3, brand new work Sonnets by Toivo Tulev will receive its world premiere performances at St. John’s Church in Tartu and St. John’s Church in Tallinn. Vocal cycle Sonnets will be performed by Kamber Soloists under the guidance of Risto Joost. Additionally, Miserere by Gregorio Allgeri and Requiem by Thomas Luis de Victoria will be performed.

Recitals of composer René Eespere in Finland

From 27 to 29 September, composer recitals “René Eespere – LX “ dedicated to the 60th anniversary of composer René Eespere will take place Helsinki, Tampere and Lahti. The recitals program consists of music for chamber ensembles performed by Estonian acknowledged musicians.

Autumn Festival of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre

From September 25 to 29, the 14th Autumn Festival takes place at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre. This year’s guests are new music ensemble Neophon (Germany), electronic musician Peter Zinovieff (UK), saxophone quartet Quasar (Canada) and electronic musician and composer Peter Schwalm (Germany). In addition to concerts, also workshops, lectures and meetings are in the program. The entrance to the concerts is free.

New works by Robert Jürjendal, Raul Sööt and Tauno Aints will be premiered

From 20 to 22 September, new works for mixed choir and guitars by Robert Jürjendal, Raul Sööt and Tauno Aints will be premiered at the concerts On 6 Strings 4 Voices in Tallinn, Viljandi and Rakvere.

The Usedom Festival in Germany is dedicated to Estonian music

The Usedom Music Festival, taking place for the 20th time, devotes itself to the cultural region around the Baltic Sea and focuses this year on Estonian music. Extensive music event takes place from September 21 to October 12 and offers tens of concerts in churches, castles and concert halls. The performers are conductors of Järvi family (Neeme, Paavo and Kristjan Järvi), Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Estonian National Male Choir and many others.

International Festival of Orthodox Sacred Music CREDO

From September 19 to October 1, the 19th International Festival of Orthodox Sacred Music CREDO will take place in Tallinn. The main goal of the festival is the preservation, development and popularization of Orthodox musical culture. Within the framework of the festival, also the competition for choirs and ensembles will be held.

Concert of music by Pärt and Kõrvits in Bristol

On September 20 at 8.30 pm, Bristol's professional chamber orchestra Bristol Ensemble together with Choir of Royal Holloway under the baton of Rupert Gough will give a concert in Bristol. Concert presents Arvo Pärt’s "Berliner Messe" and "Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten", and Tõnu Kõrvits’s "Kreek’s Notebook".

New work by Toivo Tulev performed by Nederlands Kamerkoor

This week, Nederlands Kamerkoor will give four concerts, including Toivo Tulev’s new work in program. At the request of Marseille, European Cultural Capital 2013, the Nederlands Kamerkoor will perform the concert titled as "Vers la Méditerranée" that consists of French choral repertoire and Toivo Tulev’s "Car j'ai vécu de vous attendre".

Viljandi Guitar Festival 2013

From September 17 to 22, Viljandi Guitar Festival will be held for the 6th time. Acknowledged Estonian musicians and outstanding guests from Germany, Sweden, Finland and Norway will perform in Viljandi, Tallinn, Rakvere, Narva and Kuressaare. The aim of the Viljandi Guitar Festival is to promote improvisational and stylistic guitar playing. Workshops for students are also a vital part of the festival.

The world premiere of Tõnu Kõrvits’s opera "Butterfly"

On September 13 at 7 pm, the world premiere of Tõnu Kõrvits’s opera "Butterfly" will take place in Estonian National Opera. The libretto was created by Maria Lee Liivak and Lauri Kaldoja after Andrus Kivirähk’s eponymous novel, the opera was commissioned on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the house of the Estonia Theatre and Concert House.

Estonia Theatre and Concert House Anniversary Festival

On September 6, one hundred years will pass from the opening of the Estonia theatre and concert house. From 6 to 20 September, the 100th anniversary of the building will be celebrated with a festival Estonian Theatre and Concert House 100, organized in cooperation with the Estonian National Opera, State Concert Institute Eesti Kontsert, Estonian National Symphony Orchestra and Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir.

Concert of Estonian music at the Eastern European Organ Music Days

On September 5, Andres Uibo (organ) and Aare Tammesalu (cello) will give a concert of Estonian music at the 17th Osteuropäische Orgelmusiktage. Concert will take place in Großräschen St. Antoniuskirche where duo plays works by Arvo Pärt, Erkki-Sven Tüür, Artur Kapp, Ester Mägi, Edgar Arro, Andres Uibo and Eino Tamberg.

World premiere of Erkki-Sven Tüür’s Clarinet Concerto in Finland

On September 4 and 5, Erkki-Sven Tüür’s Clarinet Concerto Peregrinus Ecstaticus will be first performed in Helsinki Music Centre. The work was commissioned by Finnish Broadcasting Company YLE and it will be performed by clarinettist Christoffer Sundqvist together with Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra. Concert will be conducted by the orchestra’s new chief conductor Hannu Lintu and will be broadcast live on Klassikaraadio on September 4 at 7 pm.

Season opening concert of the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra

On September 7, Estonian National Symphony Orchestra will open its concert season at 7 pm at Estonia Concert Hall in Tallinn. The concert will form part of the festival Estonian Theatre and Concert House 100. The program consisting of music by Estonian composers features also Estonian National Opera Chorus and Boys’ Choir, Mixed Choir of Estonia Society, Estonian National Male Choir and soloists under the guidance of Neeme Järvi.

Arvo Pärt’s Days in Tallinn churches

Within the framework of Nargenfestival, five concerts dedicated to music of Arvo Pärt will take place in Tallinn churches. Two of the concerts present English vocal quartet The Hilliard Ensemble – one of the first Western ensembles whose perception and exceptionally clear presentation brought to light the deeper layers of Arvo Pärt’s music. Also Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Vox Clamantis, organist Ene Salumäe and others will appear on the stage.

Festival Towers of Tallinn

Concert agency Corelli Music’s new festival „Towers of Tallinn“ brings together the history of Tallinn and contemporary oeuvre, introducing the city's famous silhouette inside out through different eras of music. This year the concerts take place in Swedish St. Michael’s Church, Köismäe Tower, Tallinn Town Hall, Governor’s Garden, The Rooftop Cinema, Snelli Pond and Kultuurikatla Aed.

Estonian music and musicians at the Baltic Sea Festival

Baltic Sea Festival takes place from August 23 to 30 in Swedish Radio concert hall Berwaldhallen. Festival aiming to create a better future for the Baltic Sea region brings together world class musicians including Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, pianist Mihkel Poll and conductor Neeme Järvi.

Film evenings organised by Arvo Pärt centre

From August 27 to 29, Arvo Pärt centre film evenings will be held at St. Catherine’s Church. Arvo Pärt centre will screen films featuring the music of Arvo Pärt. This year the focus will be on documentary films. Trafitionally, each of the films is presented with an introduction by the guests.

Estonian music and musicians at the festival Via Baltica

Festival Via Baltica, celebrating the remembrance of the Baltic Way, takes place from August 22 to 31 in cities of Latvia – Liepāja and Kuldīga. Festival program consists of master classes, exhibition, discussions and chamber concerts by Lavian, Lithuanian, Estonian, French, Spanish and Russian artists.

9th Tallinn Chamber Music Festival

Tallinn Chamber Music Festival takes place from August 21 to 29 and offers nine concerts at Swedish St. Michael’s Church, Tallinn Town Hall, St. John’s Church and Hopner House. Program includes two student concerts with free admission: On August 21 and August 22 at 3 pm in Swedish St. Michael’s Church. The main guest of the festival is Camerata Nordica from Sweden. For the ninth time, Marje and Kuldar Sink Award „Young Singer 2013“ will be given out. The initiator and artistic director of festival is Pille Lill.

Birgitta Festival 2013

From August 9 to 18, Birgitta Festival will take place in the ruins of the convent of St. Bridget, Tallinn. The festival program offers operas Faust, Albert Herring and The Stars Bride, ballet with songs by Kurt Weill, musical Arabella and ballets Figaro and The Sleeping Beauty. The guests of the festival include Opera North (UK), Theatre „Kremlin Ballet“ (Moscow), Komische Oper Berlin (Germany) and Kaunas State Music Theater.

Handbell works of Peeter Vähi at the festival in Finland

On August 9 at 6 pm, handbell works of Peeter Vähi will be presented at the festival LuostoClassic. The program in the Ukko-Luosto concert hall includes Peeter Vähi’s "Bronze Reflections" (2011) performed by Finnish handbell ensembles and new version of Handbell Symphony (1995/2012) performed by Arsis Handbell Ensemble and Sinfonietta Rīga. The handbell concert is titled as "Echo" and will be directed by Aivar Mäe.

Tallinn International Organ Festival

Last Thursday, XXVII International Organ Festival launched in Tallinn. The venues of the one of the Estonian oldest music festivals are several churches in Tallinn, but also in other cities and parishes like Pärnu, Kodavere, Torma, Iisaku, Lohusuu, Emmaste, Kärdla, Vastseliina, Räpina and Valga. Program consists of more than 40 concerts including „organ journeys“ – introductions of historical organs, master classes, concerts of II Tallinn International Youth Organ Festival and lectures.

21st Rapla Church Music Festival

From June 27 to July 7, churches of Raplamaa county will host bulk of the musicians from Estonia and abroad. Festival brings together the music, Estonian beautiful churches and bright summer nights. The organiser of the festival is Pille Lill Music Fund.

Tallinn VIII Guitar Festival

One of the main guests of this year festival is Grammy winner guitarist and composer Andrew York. From among Estonian music, festival focuses on René Eespere, who considers guitar as one of his favourite instrument. Festival presents also Estonian guitarists Tiit Peterson, Vahur Kubja, Riho Sibul and Robert Jürjendal.

Nargenfestival opens its season

Nargenfestival begins its season on June 7 at 7 pm in Estonia Concert Hall (Tallinn) with symphonic concert where Estonian National Symphony Orchestra with Tõnu Kaljuste conducting will perform program with music of Tõnu Kõrvits and Veljo Tormis in its centre. On June 8, festival will continue in Haapsalu with Cyrillus Kreek Music Days, that includes also a Song Festival of Estonian Swedes.

Concerts of Estonian choral music in Holland

In this weekend, works of three young Estonian composers – Maria Kõrvits, Evelin Seppar and Sander Pehk, will be premiered by Dutch chamber choir Collegium Utrecht in Holland. Concert entitled Laulusild (Bridge of Song) includes also music by Cyrillus Kreek, Arvo Pärt, Veljo Tormis and Erkki-Sven Tüür. Choir is conducted by Lodewijk van der Ree, the choir is accompanied with Ebonit Saxophone Quartet.

Erkki-Sven Tüür’s orchestral music in Germany

Erkki-Sven Tüür's symphonic work "Searching for Roots" (1990) will be performed under the direction of Anu Tali at three nights in the Great Hall of Berlin Konzerthaus. Cycle for string orchestra "Action.Passion.Illusion" (1993) is in the program of Ensemble Resonanz that will give two concerts in Hamburg.

Marianna Liik was awarded the 2nd prize at the international rostrum for composers

Last week, the student of Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre – Marianna Liik – was awarded the 2nd prize at the International Rostrum for Composers in Prague. The electronic composition "Mets" ("Forest") got the prize in the category of composers under 30, which winner was electronic work "So Very Strange" by Úlfur Hansson from Iceland. The winner of the main category was Polish composer Agata Zubel with her work "Not I".

Estonian Composers’ Festival

The composer of Estonian Composers’ Festival taking place from June 4–9 in Tartu St. John’s Church is Arvo Pärt. Within the festival, workshop and film program dedicated to Pärt’s music will take place, his works are represented in all festival concerts. The program includes nine premieres from composers like Helena Tulve, Andrus Kallastu, Märt-Matis Lill, Malle Maltis, Páll Ragnar Pálsson, Lauri Jõeleht, Monika Mattiesen, Mart Siimer and Galina Grigorjeva.

International Festival of Oriental music in Tallinn

This year’s festival program comprises ancient traditions in the field of music, dance and religion of seven Asian countries. Unique program „Shrine at Bazaar“ takes place in Orient tent at Rotermann square, additional concerts will take place in Viljandi Traditional Music Centre, Tallinn City Theatre’s Hobuveski and Tallinn Town Hall Square.

Vox Clamantis performed four world premieres in Wales

Last week, vocal ensemble Vox Clamantis under the direction of Jaan-Eik Tulve gave two concerts in Wales at the Vale of Glamorgan Festival. At the concert on May 16 in Penarth St. Augustine’s church, ensemble performed four new pieces: Galina Grigorjeva’s Bless the Lord, O my soul (Psalm 103), Helena Tulve’s Stella matutina, Tõnis Kaumann’s Ave Maria and John Metcalf’s Laudate Dominum (Psalm 150).

Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir in France

Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir under the direction of Heli Jürgenson takes part in festival Ré Majeure (May 18–20) in France. Choir will give a concert on May 19 at 3 pm in La Flotte Church in La Rochelle district. The program consists of music by Arvo Pärt, Cyrillus Kreek, Rudolf Tobias, Alfred Schnittke, Max Reger and Felix Mendelssohn.

Helena Tulve’s "À travers" at the Vienna Konzerthaus

On May 12, Helena Tulve’s "À travers" (1998) will be performed at the Vienna Konzerthaus by chamber orchestra Avanti! under the baton of Dima Slobodeniouk. Concert belongs to the series 100 Years Wiener Konzerthaus within the Wiener Festwochen.

Premiere of Mirjam Tally’s "Sunrise" in Barcelona

On April 26, Mirjam Tally’s "Sunrise" will be premiered by Swiss contemporary music duo UMS ‘n JIP in Sant Andreu, Barcelona, at the festival Mixtur.

The 13th International Choir Festival "Tallinn 2013"

From April 18 to 21, international choir festival will take place once again in Tallinn. At the competition, children’s choirs, youth choirs, female choirs, mixed choirs and chamber choirs will compete, also a category of contemporary music is opened. In addition to competition rounds, also festival concerts will take place in Estonia Concert Hall, Niguliste Church and Tallinn Secondary Science School.

Tõnu Kõrvits’s new piece at the Amsterdam Concertgebouw

On April 14, Tõnu Kõrvits’s trio for bassoon, baritone saxophone and marimba entitled "Lamentations on the Theme B-A-C-H" will be premiered at the Amsterdam Concertgebouw. New piece will be performed by Ties Mellema (saxophone), Bram van Sambeek (bassoon) and Koen Plaetinck (marimba).

Galina Grigorjeva’s "Salve Regina" to be premiered

The first performances of Galina Grigorjeva’s new work „Salve Regina“ will take place on April 9 in Copenhagen and on April 19 in Tallinn. New piece is the joint commission of vocal ensemble Theatre of Voices (Denmark) and Yxus Ensemble (Estonia) and will be performed at the concert "Arvo Pärt – Creator Spiritus".

"Arvo Pärt: A Sacred Journey" in Sydney Opera House

On April 6 and 7, concerts of music by Arvo Pärt will take place in Sydney Opera House. Featuring Pärt’s closest collaborators, conductor Tõnu Kaljuste and The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, concerts also feature Musicians of the Sydney Symphony and Sydney Youth Orchestra.

Music by Tõnu Kõrvits and Arvo Pärt in Netherlands

This and next Saturday, Dutch collectives chamber choir Kwintessens and string orchestra De Haagse Beek under the baton of Raoul Boesten will perform the program of Estonian music. Program consists of choral and orchestral music by Arvo Pärt and Dutch premiere of Tõnu Kõrvits's "Kreek's Notebook".

Sten Lassmann presents CD "Heino Eller. Complete Piano Music. Volume Three"

On April 4, pianist Sten Lassmann will present the third CD from the series of complete piano music by Estonian music classic Heino Eller. The presentation includes a lecture-concert that introduces Ten Lyric Pieces. The CD is produced by Toccata Classics.

Estonian Music Days Festival to begin

Estonian Music Days takes place from April 1–7. This year’s festival focus is Juxtapositions: new music of South and North Estonia, old and new Estonian music, music written by foreigners living in Estonia and Estonians living abroad will be examined side by side. Compared to previous years, the program consists of record-shattering number of composers and premieres.

Japanese premiere of Urmas Sisask’s Spiral Symphony

On March 23, the piano evening with Urmas Sisask’s works will take place in Japan. Piano cycle Spiral Symphony (1999) will be performed by Takahiro Akiba and Yuko Yoshioka at the Tokyo Musicasa, at the concert cycle „IZUMI TATENO and his Friends“ within the „IZUMI TATENO Festival – Festival of the left hand“.

Arvo Pärt’s Passio in Ireland

From March 24 to 26, Arvo Pärt’s Passio will be performed in three cities of Ireland with the participation of Estonian musicians – YXUS Ensemble and singer Iris Oja.

Works by Arvo Pärt and Eduard Tubin with Estonian conductors in Netherlands and Sweden

In this and next week, Arvo Pärt’s Passio will be performed in six cities of Netherlands at the concerts of Nederlands Kamerkoor with choir's chief conductor Risto Joost. Anu Tali will conduct Pärt’s Symphony No. 4 and Eduard Tubin’s Music for Strings with Norrbotten Chamber Orchestra in Sweden.

Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir’s new CD with music by Max Reger and Rudolf Tobias

Finnish label Ondine released Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir’s CD „Vivit!“ with compositions by Rudolf Tobias (1873–1918) and Max Reger (1873–1916). Choir is conducted by Daniel Reuss, sound engineer is Florian Schmidt.

Erkki-Sven Tüür’s orchestral works in Finland

In the near future, Erkki-Sven Tüür’s accordion concerto „Prophecy“ and „Salve Regina“ for violin and orchestra will be performed at the concerts in Finland, soloists will be Mika Väyrynen (accordion) and Andres Mustonen (violin, conductor).

Arvo Pärt’s composer recital in Belgium

On February 23 at 9 pm, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir will give a concert of Arvo Pärt’s music in Antwerp music centre Amuz. The program consists of works by Pärt particularly cherished by the choir.

Estonian saxophone music in Amsterdam

On February 10 at 2.15 pm, Amstel Quartet and organist Pieter van Dijk will give a concert at Orgelpark, performing mainly of music by Estonian authors Tõnu Kõrvits and Erkki-Sven Tüür.

Tõnu Kõrvits’s composer recital

As a special event of the Tallinn Philharmonic Society’s festival „The Perfect Silence“, Tõnu Kõrvits’s composer recital will take place on February 6 at 7 pm in Tallinn Methodist Church. The performers are: Anja Lechner (cello, Germany), Kadri Voorand (voice), Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, and Tallinn Chamber Orchestra under the baton of Tõnu Kaljuste.

Erkki-Sven Tüür’s orchestral music in USA, Germany, Finland and Tallinn

In the near future, several Erkki-Sven Tüür’s orchestral works will be performed in concert halls both in USA and Europe. Tüür’s Piano Concerto (2006) will be played by Finnish pianist Laura Mikkola already in Friday in Tampere Hall, where Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra will be conducted by Olari Elts. In a week, the same concerto will be performed in Tallinn by Mihkel Poll with Estonian National Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Olari Elts.

Annual awards of the Estonian Choral Association

On January 26, Estonian Choral Association announced the year awards of the Estonian choral and wind music. Tartu Academic Male Choir was recognised as the Choir of the Year and its conductor Alo Ritsing was ascribed also the title of the Conductor of the Year. Acknowledgement came true due to their expansive 100th season with numerous concerts, publishing book and DVD. The Choir of the Year for its contribution to culture sphere is chamber choir Solare, which conductor Elo Üleoja was given the title of Choral Conductor-Music Teacher of the Year.

Evelin Seppar’s choral work to be premiered in Holland

In January and February, Dutch male choir de.fundo will premiere Evelin Seppar’s Sonnet No. 43 (text William Shakespeare) under the direction of Lodewijk van der Ree. The program of Renessaince and 20th Century music will be presented in Rotterdam, Hague and Amsterdam.

Estonian-born Tarm is a winner of America's highest cultural award for young people

Tallinn-born Jonas Tarm is a winner of America's most prestigious national award of young artists, whose past winners have included actress Vanessa Williams, violinist Jennifer Koh, singer Nicki Minaj and jazz musician Terence Blanchard.

Erkki-Sven Tüür’s orchestral music in Germany, Sweden and Denmark

On October 13 and 14, Erkki-Sven Tüür’s accordion concerto Prophecy (2007) will receive performances in Germany. The first performers of this piece – accordion soloist Mika Väyrynen and conductor Olari Elts – are in front of the Niedersächsisches Staatsorchester Hannover this time. The famed piece for string orchestra – Illusion (1993) will be performed four times in Sweden and Denmark by one of the Swedish leading chamber orchestras Camerata Nordica under the baton of Jan Söderblom.

Mirjam Tally’s new work for vocal ensemble and saxophone quartet

At the joint concert of the Gregorian ensemble Vox Clamantis and saxophone quartet SaxEst in Tallinn St. Nicholas’s Church, Gregorian chant will interweave with contemporary music supported by the acoustical possibilities of this church. Mirjam Tally’s „Stjärnorna“ („The Stars“) on text by Edith Södergran will be premiered, beside the Gregorian chants also music by Helena Tulve, Tõnu Kõrvits and Arvo Pärt will be performed.

Pärnu Contemporary Music Days

From January 5–13, Pärnu Contemporary Music Days will take place one again. Festival initiated in 1988, introduces the main tendencies of the 20th century music history, focusing on modernism and its aesthetic and philosophical principles through concerts, performances, lectures and discussions. This year’s theme is Futurism 2. The event will delve into the substance of futuristic conceptions of different spheres, also exposes and presents art works created in futuristic spirit.