Today, on January 10, composer Ester Mägi celebrates her 90th birthday.
Ester Mägi has been actively composing more than a half a century earning a very special place among today’s composers in Estonia. The most important part of her creation consists of choral music with more than 100 songs, beloved is also her instrumental chamber music, solo songs and orchestral works.
Musicologist and pianist Helju Tauk has described Ester Mägi’s music: Her creation could be compared with the landscape of a bog. It is not conspicuous from a distance, but its diverse beauty, colors, very pleasant details will become visible when you look closer.
The concert of the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, dedicated to composer’s jublee, takes place on January 13 at 19 at Estonia concert hall. Ester Mägi’s works Cadenza and Theme, Presto, Sõnarine, Haikus, The Ancient Kannel, Three Setu Fairy Tale Songs, Dialogues, Vesper, Bucolic and cantata Kalevipoeg’s Journey to Finland will be perfomed by distinguished performers: Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, Estonian National Male Choir, conducted by Mikk Murdvee, soloists Mihkel Peäske (flute), Toomas Vavilov (clarinet), Mari-Liis Uibo (violin), Henry-David Varema (cello), Peep Lassmann and Martti Raide (piano), Andres Uibo (organ), Helen Lokuta (mezzo soprano) and Jassi Zahharov (baritone).
The works and performers for the jubilee concert were selected by the composer herself.
The concert is broadcasted live by Klassikaraadio and the recording can be listened afterwards at the archive of Klassikaraadio. During the whole week, the Klassikaraadio will feature a number of music performances and special programs dedicated to the composer. See the radio program here.
The Estonian Female Song Society celebrates Ester Mägi’s 90th birthday with a choir competition, which will take place on March 10 and 11 2012 at the Tallinn University. The contest is based on 5 choral songs by Ester Mägi. Additional info here.