In June, Estonian Record Productions in co-operation with the International Arvo Pärt Centre released a CD-single „Vater unser“ that was meant as a present to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI on his 60th anniversary of priesthood. On August 23, a new version of the CD (Limited Edition) will be released. All of the copies are numbered and signed by the composer. From tomorrow onwards CD will be available for dowload in the internet as well as in shops in Estonia and abroad. The presentation of the CD will take place on August 23 at 4 pm in Tallinn St. Catherine’s Church where „Vater unser“ („Paternoster“ / „Our Father“) will be performed by boy-soprano Heldur Harry Põlda accompanied on the piano by the composer himself. The event is an introduction to Arvo Pärt Centre Film Evenings – films where Pärt’s music have been used are on the screen.the next three days at 6 pm in St. Catherine’s Church: Heaven (director Tom Tykwer, 23.08), Gerry (director Gus Van Sant, 24.08) and Wit (director Mike Nichols, 25.08).
On August 23, also the CD of early music consort Hortus Musicus will be released. Album called Early Music of 3rd Millennium presents works written by ensemble’s collaboration partners and kindred spirits (Gija Kancheli, Alexander Knaifel, Arvo Pärt, Peeter Vähi, Erkki-Sven Tüür, Valentin Silvestrov). Most of the works were written in 2005 and premiered at the memorial concert of ensemble’s founding member Helle Mustonen in October 2005 in Tallinn Dome Church. Guests musicians are clarinetist Toomas Vavilov and mezzo soprano Helen Lokuta.