Estonian composer Arvo Pärt is the featured composer of the RTÉ (Radio Telefís Éireann i.e. Public Service Broadcaster of the Republic of Ireland) Living Music Festival 2008. From 15 to 17 February 6 concerts with more than 20 works by Arvo Pärt will take place in Dublin. In addion to concerts, festival programme includes workshops and seminars with Arvo Pärt in attendance.
On February 15 at 8 p.m in National Concert Hall „Lamentate”, „Berliner Messe” and „Credo” will be performed by RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, RTÉ Philharmonic Choir, Joanna MacGregor (piano) and conductor Tõnu Kaljuste.
On February 16 at 1 p.m. mixed choir Polyphony (conductor Stephen Layton) will give the concert in Christ Church Cathedral. Programme consists of choral music by Poulenc and Pärt, including Pärt’s new work „Morning Star” premiered in London in December 2007. At 8 p.m. at the same place „Passio” will be performed by Hilliard Ensemble, National Chamber Choir and Christopher Bowers-Broadbent (organ).
On February 17 at 2 p.m. RTÉ Vanbrugh Quartet and Joanna MacGregor will play „Fratres”, „Psalom” and „Summa” as well as music by Ivan Moody and Alfred Schnittke in National Gallery of Ireland. At 5 p.m. in Samuel Beckett Theatre, Crash Ensemble will perform „Für Alina”, „Für Anna Maria”, „Spiegel im Spiegel” and „Stabat Mater”.The final concert of the festival in National Concert Hall at 8 p.m. will present Pärt’s most famous tintinnabuli orchestral works, including „Tabula rasa” performed by violinists Ian Humphries, Darragh Morgan and RTÉ Concert Orchestra (conductor David Brophy).
An exhibition – selection from the Estonian Theatre and Music Museum exhibition „Arvo Pärt - Renowned and Unknown” dedicated to the life and work of Arvo Pärt – will be open in the National Concert Hall during the festival.
RTÉ Living Music Festival is focused on contemporary music by leading international and Irish composers. The artistic director of the festival is Scottish composer James MacMillan.