News

New work by Kristjan Kõrver at the concert of Ensemble U:

On December 29 at 7 pm, Ensemble U:’s New-Year’s Eve concert of new music will take place in Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre Chamber Hall with the premiere of Kristjan Kõrver’s new work CRISIS. In addition to the premiere, also “early music” will be played – Georg Friedrich Haas’s development of Josquin Desprez’s Agnus Dei and three arrangements of Henry Purcell’s music by Oliver Knussen, George Benjamin and Colin Mathews, preceded by Iannis Xenakis’s Plektó.

The Year of European Capital of Culture will finish with the premiere of Margo Kõlar’s “Song of the Tower Bells”

For the final day of European Capital of Culture, Margo Kõlar has created concert for church bells entitled Song of the Tower Bells which performance takes place on the Tallinn Freedom Square on December 22 at 20.11. Before Kõlar’s work, at 7 pm, concert O ‘ Adonai will take place in Tallinn St. John’s Church. Another first performance – Das Ende Beginnt for piano, cello, bassoon, percussion and tape by Ardo Ran Varres will take place at Lennusadam at 9 pm. The final concert of the year of European Capital of Culture, the Christmas concert The Beauty of Being in the Moment takes place at 8.30 at Freedom Square.

Week with Estonian new music in Czech Radio

From Monday to Friday, five broadcasts of Estonian new music will be transmitted by Czech Radio 3 – Vltava. Every night at 11.15 pm – 12 am (according to Czech time), the broadcasts can be heard via internet as well. The series was on the air for the first time in October 2009 and was created in cooperation with the Estonian Music Information Centre. Its author and initiator is Czech musicologist Vítězslav Mikeš.

New CD “Clarinette omnitonique” has been released

On December 19, new Estonian CD “Clarinette omnitonique” will be presented in Estonian Radio White Hall. In June, clarinetist Toomas Vavilov, violinist Arvo Leibur, viola player Toomas Nestor and cellist Aare Tammesalu recorded music by Bernhard Crusell, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Iwan Müller – composer, clarinet virtuoso and clarinet maker born in Tallinn in 1786. Müller is considered to be one of the leading figure in clarinet history.

Talents at Home. Risto Joost

The next concert in Tallinn Philharmonic Society’s concert series Talents at Home will feature talented Estonian conductor and singer Risto Joost, as well as a new work by composer Tõnu Kõrvits.

Works of Helena Tulve and Tatjana Kozlova at the “World Music Days 2012”

Works of Helena Tulve and Tatjana Kozlova were selected to the program of World Music Days 2012. Festival is organised by International Society of Contemporary Music and is the largest event dedicated to new music. Next year the annual festival will take place in different cities in Belgium from October 25 to November 4.

Erkki-Sven Tüür's album Awakening in Germany successful

German music journalist Burkhard Schäfer introduces his favorite records of the year 2011 in the Zeit magazine. The albums Grigorij Krein / Samuil Feinberg: Violinsonaten" (Genuin classics), Sofia Gubaidulina: Fachwerk - Silenzio (Naxos) and Erkki-Sven Tüür's "Awakening" (Ondine) are amongst the three of the best records 2011.

Concert „Estonian National Symphony Orchestra 85. War Symphonies“

On December 16, the concert series “Jubilate”, dedicated to Estonian National Symphony Orchestra’s 85th anniversary, will continue with a concert entitled „ERSO 85. War Symphonies“. The program includes compositions by two powerful 20th century symphonists – Eduard Tubin and Dmitry Shostakovich.

Galina Grigorjeva’s choral work at the Christmas concert of BBC Singers

On December 12, concert entitled A Russian Christmas took place in London St. Paul’s Knightsbridge, where BBC Singers under the direction of Latvian conductor Kaspars Putninš performed the Russian Orthodox music. The program consisted of works from the Tsarist courts of the 17th century till now, including Galina Grigorjeva's choir concerto "Svjatki". The concert was broadcast live on BBC Radio 3.

Christmas concerts of Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir

From December 13 to 16, the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir gives four free christmas concerts in churches in Haapsalu, Türi, Viimsi and Tapa. The concert program includes christmas songs by Olav Ehala, Arvo Pärt, Veljo Tormis, Francis Poulenc as well as Finnish, English and French beloved christmas songs.

Jaan Rääts was ascribed The Lifetime Achievement Award

Yesterday, Estonian National Culture Foundation handed over the Lifetime Achievement Awards that were ascribed to artist Valli Lember-Bogatkina, interior decorator Leila Pärtelpoeg and composer Jaan Rääts. Stipendiums of 3,500 euros were given over at the festive concert in Tallinn House of Brotherhood of the Black Heads.

Arvo Pärt elected as academician of music and member of the Pontifical Council for Culture

On December 7, the Estonian Academy of Sciences elected seven new members to its General Assembly. One of these new members was the composer Arvo Pärt, who becomes the first person ever to be granted the title of Academician for Music by this organisation of eminent scientists and academics. On December 10, pope Benedict XVI appointed Arvo Pärt member of the Pontifical Council for Culture.

Music of Ester Mägi at the concert in Germany

On December 11 at 6 pm, church concert can be listened in Erwitte, where chamber pieces of Ester Mägi, the Gand Old Lady of Estonian music, are on important place. Concert in Christuskirche will be given by Andreas Maria Marcus (guitar), Christopher Hans (tenor) and Philippos Tozakidis (cello), the program is subtitled as Englische Renaissance. Neue Musik aus dem Baltikum.

Concerts of the Association of Estonian Professional Musicians in December

In December, the 10the season of the Association of Estonian Professional Musicians will continue with pianist Mihkel Mattisen’s solo concerts and concert of duo Kristiina Kriit (violin) – Malle Maltis (electronics).

Concerts of ensemble „focus baroque“ in Germany

In the beginning of December, the Estonian-German baroque ensemble „focus baroque“ – Iren Lill (harpsichord) and Holger Faust-Peters (viola da gamba) – gave three concerts in Germany. Concerts entitled „Avec Privilège du Roy“ took place in Cologne, Düsseldorf and Bergisch Gladbach.

New piece for guitar duo by Riho Maimets

From December 9 to 16, the guitar duo ’Duo Concertante’ with Dmitri Timoshenko and Vahur Kubja will give five concerts in Narva, Tartu, Pärnu, Kuressaare and Tallinn. The concert program includes a world premiere of new piece by Riho Esko Maimets – Prayer of Quiet for two guitars.

Jüri Gerretz 70

On December 7, the gala concert, dedicated to the celebration of Jüri Gerretz’s 70th birthday, will take place at Estonia Concert Hall. To honor the great violinist and teacher Gerretz, many of his students from Estonia and Finland will perform, accompanied by Tallinn Chamber Orchestra. An hour before the concert, the presentation of Jüri Gerretz’s first CD will take place.

Music of Tõnu Kõrvits and Arvo Pärt in the program of Capital of Culture Turku

On December 7 at 7.30 pm, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir together with Finnish orchestra Musicians of the King’s Road will give a concert in St. Michael’s Church in Turku, Finland. Under the baton of Tõnu Kaljuste, Estonian music will be eprformed: choral cycle based on Estonian sacred folk songs Kreek’s Notebook by Tõnu Kõrvits and 2 Lullabies and Adam’s Lament by Arvo Pärt.

Pianist Tanel Joamets’ concert tour in Russia

From November 24 to December 8, pianist Tanel Joamets is in Russia to give eight concerts in seven cities. This tour is already the fourth for him this year – in February he performed in Latvia, Italy and Austria, in April he had concerts in Russia, Kazakhstan and in September-October he toured in Scandinavian countries.

Estonian music is a main theme at the Nostalgia Festival in Poland

Festival Nostalgia that will take place from December 3 to 5 in Poznań, features Estonian music. The program includes music by Urmas Sisask, Helena Tulve and Erkki-Sven Tüür, as well as Marianne Kõrver’s documentary of Erkki-Sven Tüür "7 Etudes in Pictures".

Performances of Urmas Sisask’s Christmas Oratorio

Urmas Sisask’s Christmas Oratorio Op. 39 (1992) will be performed in Tallinn and Tartu. Extensive choral work will be performed by soprano Kristel Kurik, tenor Endrik Üksvärav, chamber choir Crede, mixed choir Vox Populi and instrumental orchestra under the baton of Sander Tamm.

Opening concert “The Corners” of series ReVision IV

Initiated by the Ensemble Resonabilis, the series ReVision unites visual art and music. In case of ReVision IV the visual partner of music will be the photography. The program of the opening concert "The Corners" consists of Tarvo Hanno Varres's photo series "The Corners" and music by Helena Tulve, Ülo Krigul, Eugene Birman, Salvatore Sciarrino and Antti Auvinen.

New concerts of the Nordic Symphony Orchestra in the series Meeting Point Tallinn

On November 25 and 26 at 7 pm, the Nordic Symphony Orchestra gives two concerts of nordic music in the series ‘Meeting Point Tallinn’ in Estonia concert hall. The program includes music by Arvo Pärt, Edvard Grieg and Jean Sibelius. The following European tour continues with concerts in Hungary, Slovenia and Slovakia.

Tõnu Kõrvits’s composer recital in Reedemer Church in Nõmme

On November 27 at 5 pm, Tõnu Kõrvits’s composer recital will take place in Reedemer Church in Nõmme. The performers are Iris Oja (mezzo soprano), Virgo Veldi (saxophone), Ingely Laiv (oboe), Robert Traksmann (violin), Laur Eensalu (viola), Vambola Krigul (percussion), Kristjan Mäeots (percussion), Ulla Krigul (organ) and Girls’ Choir Ellerhein under the direction of Ingrid Kõrvits. Nõmme Haikus for girls’ choir (2011, dedicated to Nõmme) will be premiered.

Soprano Pirjo Püvi will perform in Canada

Estonian young soprano Pirjo Püvi has been invited to perform at the concerts of international training and development program „Les Jeunes Ambassadeurs Lyriques“. Four concerts will take place from November 24 to 27 in Montreal, Canada. Among other works, Püvi will also perform Estonian vocal music.

Christmas music festival “Church Holidays in St. Mary’s Land” to begin

In the course of the month, concert agency Corelli Music offers musical experiences that carry the holiday spirit. Concerts of the first Advent introduce new organs, next ones will bring the audience to the manors and music salons. The year will end with bright vocal-symphonic masterpieces.

Mari Poll performs Ligeti's Violin Concerto in London

On November 24 at 7.30, Mari Poll, young and talented Estonian violinist with RCM Contemporary Ensemble performs Ligeti’s Violin Concerto in concert hall of London Royal College of Music.

New works by Mart Jaanson and Pärt Uusberg at the concert of Estonian National Male Choir

On November 24 at 7 pm, Estonian National Male Choir’s concert In manus tuas, Domine will take place in Tallinn Methodist Church. Choir’s new chief conductor Mikk Üleoja’s first program includes altogether three premieres.

Vsevolod Pozdejev’s portrait concerts

Vsevolod Pozdejev’s two portrait concerts entitled Sulamit will take place on November 23 in History Museum of the Tartu University and on November 26 in Tallinn History Museum. The concerts feature five pieces, of which four are the first performances, the music will be performed by Estonian soprano Pille Lill, pianist Eva Vorobjova and Vsevolod Pozdejev.

Mirjam Tally’s music in Holland, Germany and Sweden with the presentation of CD

This week, Mirjam Tally's music will be played at the concerts in Holland and Germany. Next week, Phono Suecia will release a CD "Dedicated To" with Tally's "Winter Island" for violin, viola and cello (2009) on it. The presentation concert of the CD will take place on November 27 in Stockholm.

Violinists of the Cultural Capitals 2011 had a joint concert

On October 20 and 21, a joint concert of European Capitals of Culture 2011 took place in Turku Concert Hall introducing Estonian music with works by Arvo Pärt and Lepo Sumera. The concert also featured violinists Harry Traksmann and Juha-Pekka Vikman, the concertmaster of Turku Philharmonic Orchestra.

Concerts of the Netherlands Chamber Choir and conductor Risto Joost

From November 9 to 21, the Netherlands Chamber Choir and conductor Risto Joost will give concerts in eight cities of the Netherlands, performing Sergei Rachmaninov’s “All Night Vigil” (“Vespers”). These are Joost's first concerts with the chamber choir as their new chief conductor.

Festival ‘Estonian Piano and Europe’ started

Within the framework of European Capital of Culture Tallinn 2011, piano festival ‘Estonian Piano and Europe’ is held on November 11 – 18 in Tallinn. The festival is dedicated to three anniversaries: the piano – 300, Ferenc Liszt – 200, Estonia grand piano – 60. In addition to a diverse program of piano music concerts, the festival also includes a conference-symposium and piano exhibition.

Lauri Väinmaa 50

In November, three concerts will take place in Pärnu, Tartu and Tallinn to celebrate the 50th birthday of recognized pianist and teacher Lauri Väinmaa.

Estonian music festival in Tokyo

On November 10, festival dedicated to Estonian music takes place in Tokyo. One-day festival consists of two separate parts. First part is the the piano recital of Takahiro Akiba and Yuko Yoshioka with the presentation of new CD “Urmas Sisask: Starry Sky Cycle”. The second part is the live of Estonian young pop-singer Maarja-Liis Ilus with Japanese jazz-trio “Shina Makoto Trio”.

Concerts of the Association of Estonian Professional Musicians in November

In November, the 10th season of the Association of Estonian Professional Musicians continues with four concerts which will take place in Pärnu, Rapla and Tallinn. Violinist Arvo Leibur and pianist Mati Mikalai will perform on November 8 and 10 and the concerts of harp player Liis Viira and Tobias String Quartet will take place on November 22 and 24.

II Tallinn International Piano Competition begins

From November 9 to 18, fifty two young pianists from all over the world will meet in the European Capital of Culture 2011 to take part in the 2nd Tallinn International Piano Competition. The competition will be held in three rounds, the finalists will have the opportunity to perform with the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Mikk Murdvee. All the participants are required to play pieces by Estonian composers Mart Saar, Lepo Sumera and Arvo Pärt.

New works by Vähi, Eespere and Kaumann at the concert of Hortus Musicus

On November 8 at 7 pm, three new works by Estonian composers will be premiered in Tallinn St. Nicholas’s Church: Peeter Vähi’s Light Raising, Tõnis Kaumann’s “Stabat Mater” and René Eespere’s “Sententiae veteres”. The concert of early music consort Hortus Musicus is dedicated to the 75th birthday of artist Jüri Arrak, who has been the source of inspiration to many creative persons.

Karen Kieser Prize 2011 to Riho Esko Maimets

The University of Toronto is pleased to announce the 2011 Karen Kieser Prize in Canadian Music will be awarded to Riho Esko Maimets for his work, squall for 2 flutes, cello and piano. The Karen Kieser Prize in Canadian Music is awarded each year to a graduate student in composition whose work is judged as especially promising.

Tallinn Music High School celebrates 50th anniversary

Tallinn Music High School celebrates its 50th anniversary with a row of concerts, exhibition, music competitions for school children and various other events from November 6 to 13.

Festival of the Estonian National Opera in Paide

From November 6 to 12, Estonian National Opera’s festival „Opera and Ballet in the Heart“ will take place in Paide. The local audience will have the opportunity to see operetta “Die Csárdásfürstin“, the ballet evening, visit the costume fair, the exhibition of National Opera’s 106th season etc. There will also be different educational projects for children. The festival is one part of celebrating Paide’s 720th birthday.

Chamber choir Voces Musicales sings Nordic contempoaray music

Chamber choir Voces Musicales with its new chief conductor Kaspar Mänd performs music by four Nordic contemporary composers at concerts on November 5 at 3 pm in Paide Town Hall and on November 6 at 3 pm in Glass Hall of Tallinn Song Celebration Ground. The program includes works by Veljo Tormis, Einojuhani Rautavaara, Tõnu Kõrvits and Bo Holten.

World premiere of Erkki-Sven Tüür’s “Flamma” on Australian Chamber Orchestra’s tour

From November 5 to 19, world premiere of Erkki-Sven Tüür’s Flamma will take place at seven concerts in Australia. Australian Chamber Orchestra’s commission that is characterised as “clever and moving” will be performed under the direction of Richard Tognetti at seven times in different cities in Australia: Canberra, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney and Brisbane.

Arvo Pärt's award ceremony and concerts of EPCC at Estonian cultural festival in Paris

On Wednesday, November 2, the French Minister of Culture Frédéric Mitterrand, will give Arvo Pärt the highest national award of France – the Knight's degree of Order of the Legion of Honour. Apart of this ceremonial event, Estonian cultural festival Estonie Tonique will continue with two concerts of Estonian music on November 2 and 4.

Days of Arvo Pärt in Czech

From November 1 to 11, Hradec Králové Music Forum will be held in Czech, where November 2–4 is dedicated to the composer Arvo Pärt. Music days include an exhibition, film evening and several concerts.

Female Alumnae Choir of Tallinn University of Technology presents new CD

On November 1, the Female Alumnae Choir of Tallinn University of Technology presents its brand new CD with music by composer and organist Helen Tobias-Duesberg. The concert-presentation takes place on November 1 at 18:30 in Tallinn Meder Hall.

The final concert of „Viva oratorio!“

On the All Souls’ Day, November 2 the final concert of the concert series „Viva oratorio!“ will take place at the St. John’s Church in Tallinn. The program of the concert entitled “In paradisum” consists of pieces by Vincent Persichetti, John Tavener and Estonian young composer Pärt Uusberg.

Enn Vetemaa jubilee concert

On November 2, concert dedicated to the 75th birthday of Enn Vetemaa will take place in Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre. Performers are Tallinn Chamber Orchestra under the baton of Toomas Vavilov and soloists Aleksander Hännikäinen (oboe), Indrek Vau (trumpet), piano duo Kaarel Peäske-Darja Roditšenka and Tallinn Saxophone Quartet.

Concerts of bariton Dmitri Hvorostovsky and pianist Ivari Ilja in London, Berlin and Russia

In October, bariton Dmitri Hvorostovsky and pianist Ivari Ilja gave two concerts in London and Berlin, performing vocal pieces of Fauré, Taneyev, Liszt and Tchaikovsky. In November, the duo will perform works by Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky, Wagner and Verdi in Russia.

Release and presentation of CD 'Estonian Music Now 2011'

Newly released CD 'Estonian Music Now 2011' features Estonian music of different genres: electronic and experimental, jazz and classical contemporary music by various Estonian artists. The new CD is released to introduce Estonian music in international arena and the project has been initiated by the Estonian Embassy in London.

Tatjana Kozlova’s new work in Stuttgart

On October 28, new work Quip by Tatjana Kozlova will be premiered by ensemble cross.art in Stuttgart. The concert-performance cross.art 400 will take place in the evering of October 28 at 8 pm in open art space Self Service.

Concert of pianist Ralf Taal in St. Petersburg

On October 27, pianist Ralf Taal will perform „12 Transcendental Etudes“ by Ferenc Liszt. The concert will take place at the St. John’s Church in St. Petersburg. Ralf Taal, who was recently given the Annual Music Award of the Estonian Cultural Endowment, has also performed the same program in Estonia on several occasions.

New work by Rein Rannap

On October 27 at 7 pm, clarinetist Toomas Vavilov and String Quartet Prezioso will give a concert in Tartu Vanemuine Concert Hall where Rein Rannap’s Concerto for Clarinet and String Quartet will be premiered.

Tõnu Kõrvits’s “Sung into the Wind” in the program of BBC Symphony Orchestra

On October 25, Tõnu Kõrvits’s Sung into the Wind will receive its UK premiere at the BBC Symphony Orchestra’s Studio Concert. Kõrvits’s orchestral work will be conducted by Neeme Järvi. Concert will take place in BBC Maida Vale Studio and will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 program Live Afternoon on 3.

Mikk Murdvee will conduct in London

On October 25, Mikk Murdvee will conduct the Symphony Orchestra of the Royal College of Music in London. The concert, which will take place at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, belongs to the year long project “Internal Dance: Inside the world of Béla Bartók“. The program includes works by Bartók and Szymanowski.

Evening of Estonian music in Moscow

On October 22 at 7 pm, concert dedicated to Estonian contemporary music will take place in Rachmaninoff Hall of the Moscow State Conservatory, where in addition to Arvo Pärt also less known Estonian composers will be introduced. Subscription concert belongs to the series Fabulous Journey that is directed by pianist Alexei Lyubimov.

Urmas Sisask’s composer recital

On October 22 at 6 pm, Urmas Sisask’s composer recital will take place in Culture Centre Lindakivi, Tallinn. Concert belongs to the series A Composer in Residence for Every District in Tallinn that is Estonian Composers’ Union’s contribution to the program of European Capital of Culture Tallinn 2011. Urmas Sisask’s choral music but as well as pop music will be performed by Lea Liitmaa (vocal), Maria Šugailo (soprano), Igor Jermakov (Russian concertina), Ensemble Karavan and Mixed Choir of European Capital of Culture under the direction of Veronika Portsmuth. Program includes also a premiere of “Koolide regilaul ja hümn”, op. 137 [Folk Song and Hymn of Schools] on Villu Kangur’s text.

International new music festival NYYD 2011 in Tallinn

International new music festival NYYD '11 is held on 20-28 October in Tallinn, the subtitle of the festival is ‘Future Symphonies’. This year's festival hosts two guest composers - Scottish conductor and composer James MacMillan, and composer, conductor, chansonnier and leader of the third Viennese school - Heinz Karl Gruber.

Erkki-Sven Tüür’s new CD “Awakening” has been released

Record company Ondine released Erkki-Sven Tüür’s CD Awakening. The disc consists of the first recordings of Awakening (2001) for mixed choir and chamber orchestra and The Wanderer’s Evening Song (text: Ernst Enno, 2001) for mixed choir a cappella as well as much recorded “Insula deserta” (1989) for chamber orchestra. The performers are Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and Sinfonietta Rīga with Daniel Reuss conducting.

Tallinn Music High School Youth Choir winning the competition in England

Tallinn Music High School Youth Choir under the direction of Ingrid Kõrvits won the first prize at the Euroradio choir contest Let the Peoples Sing in the category of children’s and youth choirs. Final concert took place yesterday in BBC Philharmonic Studio, Salford.

Erkki-Sven Tüür’s works in Germany and Poland

On October 15, Erkki-Sven Tüür’s Requiem will be performed in Stuttgart Saint Mathews Church. On October 19, Britten Sinfonia under conducting of James MacMillan will perform Tüür’s Action.Passion.Illusion in Warsaw Philharmonic Hall, Poland.

Estonian chamber music in Paris

On October 14, a selection of Estonian chamber music will be performed in Grand Salon des Invalides in frame of Estonian cultural festival Estonie Tonique in Paris. At the concert Northern Light (Lumieres du nord: musique de chambre d’Estonie) a program of Estonian chamber music will be performed by Kirsti Kuusk (violin), Klarika Kuusk (piano) and Mark Drobinsky (cello).

Festival of the Association of Estonian Professional Musicians

From October 13 to 16, the first festival of the Association of Estonian Professional Musicians will take place in different concert venues in Tallinn.

Tõnu Kõrvits’s new piece for 12 saxophones on tour in Europe

On October 15, Tõnu Kõrvits's "Landscapes from a Night Train" will be premiered in Poitiers by European Saxophone Ensemble. The tour will continue in Slovenia, Austria, Czech and Hungary.

Composer and clarinettist Aadu Regi deceased

Clarinettist and composer Aadu Regi died on 10 October 2011 in age of 98. His memorial cermony will take place on Monday, 17 October at 13 in Tartu St John's Church.

Estonian premiere of Urmas Sisask's "New Zodiac"

Today and tomorrow, Urmas Sisask’s cycle The New Zodiac Op. 81 (2002) will receive its Estonian premiere. Extensive chamber work is inspired of 13 constellations and will be performed by Neeme Punder (flute) and Tiit Peterson (guitar).

Organist Ines Maidre’s concerts in the U.S.

From September 25 to October 14, organist Ines Maidre has six solo recitals and two master classes at the universities and churches of the Unites States of America. In varied concert programs, Maidre performs organ music by Johann Sebastian Bach, Dietrich Buxtehude, Johann Kaspar Kerll, Ferenc Liszt, Guy Bovet, Kurt Wiklander, Bjarne Sløgedal and Estonian composers Peeter Süda, Alfred Karindi, Edgar Arro.

Estonian cultural festival Estonie Tonique in Paris

Today starts in Paris for two months enduring Estonian cultural festival Estonie Tonique. This festival is the most extensive cultural project of all times between Estonia and France. Festival program involves more than 200 Estonian performers and artists and more than 50 cultural events. Most of all, the music is represented.

Concert of Ensemble U: at the Bio Est – New York Festival of Estonian Contemporary Culture

On October 10, Ensemble U: will give a concert in New York Scandinavia House at the festival Bio Est. Program includes two world premieres by American composers: Bryan Christian’s Walk (2011) and Eugene Birman’s Red Desert (2011). Also earlier works written for the Ensemble U: will be performed. U:'s second concert in US will take place on October 12 in North Carolina Duke University.

Pianist Hando Nahkur’s concerts in Costa Rica

On October 1 and 2, pianist Hando Nahkur performed in Costa Rica with Cartago Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Iván Arguedas. Concerts were dedicated to Ferenc Liszt’s 200th anniversary.

Andrus Kallastu and Mirjam Tally at the Nordic Music Days on Iceland

Nordic Music Days 2011 will be held on October 6–9 in Reykjavik. The concerts take place in Reykjavik’s recently opened new concert hall Harpa. An abundant selection of music by Icelandic, Finnish, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian and Estonian composers will be in programme.

Concert “Margo Kõlar 50”

On October 6, composer's jubilee concert will take place in Tallinn House of Brotherhood of Black Heads where his works from 1980ies to this day will be presented. Kõlar’s music will be performed by Tallinna Chamber Orchestra, conductor Tõnu Kaljuste, vocal ensemble Heinavanker, Gregorian ensemble Vox Ensemble, percussion ensemble PaukenfEst, chamber ensemble Resonabilis and a lot of other guests.

Premiere of Helena Tulve’s orchestral work by Munich Chamber Orchestra

This week, Munich Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Alexander Liebreich will give three concerts in Germany and Austria where Helena Tulve’s “Hingamisveele” (To the Breathing Water) will be premiered.

Pianist Tanel Joamets’ concert tour in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Holland

Pianist Tanel Joamets will give eleven concerts in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Holland from September 30 to October 22. The program of the tour consists of Eduard Tubin’s Piano Sonata No 2 „Northern Lights“ and works by Sibelius, Grieg, Rachmaninov and Skrjabin.

Concert “Treasury of Estonian Music I”

In October, State Concert Institute Eesti Kontsert has two concerts entitled Treasury of Estonian Music I where Eduard Tubin’ Piano Quintet in C sharp minor (1930) and Eduard Oja’s Piano Quintet (1935) will be presented.

Year awards 2011 of the Estonian Music Council and the Estonian Cultural Endowment

The tenth time, the Estonian Music Council gave awards to recognize Estonian musicians, whose activities have contributed to developments in the field of music. The Music Foundation of the Estonian Cultural Endowment gave its annual music awards to outstanding musical personalities the 4th time.

Sten Lassmann presents CD with piano music by Heino Eller

On October 1 at 4 pm, laureate of Heino Eller Music Prize pianist Sten Lassmann presents his first CD “Heino Eller. Complete Piano Music. Volume one” in Estonian Theatre and Music Museum. At the presentation, Lassmann will perform selected works from the CD and introduces his project to public.

Concert „Mozart in Tallinn“

Concert entitled „Mozart in Tallinn“ will take place on September 30 at Estonia Concert Hall. Pianist Kalle Randalu, one of the best-known interpreters of Mozart in Estonia, conductor Christoph Poppen and Estonian National Symphony Orchestra will perform pieces by Erkki-Sven Tüür and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

The Lovers And The Rogues by Märt-Matis Lill will be premiered

As the opening event of season 2011/12 of Corelli Music Agency, a new work – secular mystery play The Lovers And The Rogues by Märt-Matis Lill, based on legends from Tallinn, will be premiered on September 28 in Toompea Music Lounge. Performers are baroque ensemble Corelli Consort and narrator Nero Urke (characters of legends, ghosts). Writer is Jan Kaus, stage director Taago Tubin, stage artist Liisa Soolepp and light designer Revo Koplus.

Premiere of „Divertimento“ by Mihkel Kerem

On September 29, Mihkel Kerem’s Divertimento will be premiered in Joensuu Carelia Hall, Finland. New work will be performed by Joensuu City Orchestra under the baton of Estonian conductor Mikk Murdvee. The concert program includes also Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4 and Kimmo Hakola’s Guitar Concerto (soloist Timo Korhonen).

Premiere of the vocal cycle by Aaro Pertmann

On September 28 at 7 pm, Aaro Pertmann’s vocal cycle for soprano and string quartet Five Poems from Josef Knechts Studenthood (2009/2010) will be premiered in Paide Town Hall. At the chamber concert dedicated to the 720th birthday of composer’s hometown the new piece will be performed by soprano Pille Lill and string quartet Prezioso. The 5-part cycle is written on the text of Glasperlenspiel by Herman Hesse (translated in Estonian by Ain Kaalep).

4th IMC World Forum on Music in Tallinn

For the 4th edition of the World Forum on Music and its 34th General Assembly in 2011, the Executive Board of the International Music Council has chosen to go to Tallinn, Estonia, to join the city's celebrations as Cultural Capital of Europe 2011. It is the first time ever in the 60-year history of the International Music Council that Estonia hosts an IMC activity.

Russian premiere of Safra by Tõnu Kõrvits

On September 26, Russian premiere of Tõnu Kõrvits’s Safra will take place at the X International Music Festival “The Seasons” in Moscow. The piece inspired of fire and burning will be performed by Mihkel Poll and “The Season” Moscow Chamber Orchestra under the baton of Vladislav Bulakhov.

Erkki-Sven Tüür’s composer recital

On September 27 at 7 pm, Erkki-Sven Tüür’s composer recital will take place in Tallinn Rotermann Salt Storage. It forms a part of series A Composer in Residence for Every District in Tallinn that is Estonian Composers’ Union’s contribution to the program of European Capital of Culture Tallinn 2011. The concert program consists also an Estonian premiere of Synergie for violin and cello.

Concert „Dances on Prepared Pianos“

On September 20 at 7 pm, concert entitled Dances on Prepared Pianos will take place at the Estonia Concert Hall. The program which consists of music by Lepo Sumera, John Cage and Leonard Bernstein, will be performed by pianists Kadri-Ann Sumera and Hanna Heinmaa.

Chamber choir Collegium Musicale successful in Arezzo

Chamber Choir Collegium Musicale achieved the 2nd prize at the Grand Prix round of the high-level choir festival Polifonico 2011 in Italy being conquered by Japanese choir Vox Gaudiosa (conductor Ko Matsushita). At the same time Collegium Musicale won first prizes in two categories and special prize for the contemporary music performance.

International Festival of Orthodox Sacred Music

Festival with long traditions offers exciting program in Tallinn, Pärnu, Keila and Jõhvi from September 17 to October 2. Festival opens with mystery Prayer to Our Lady directed by Dmitri Harchenko. Concerts will be given by St. Petersburg Conservatory Student Choir, The Academic Chamber Choir from Kostroma, The Choir from St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Paris and others.

The 4th Viljandi Guitar Festival 13.09-18.09.2011

The Fourth Viljandi Guitar Festival takes place from 13th-18th September, concerts are held in Viljandi and Tallinn, guest performers at the festival are John Stowell (USA), Stian Westerhus (NOR), Risto Toppola (FIN) and Paolo Angeli (ITA). Also Estonia's best guitar players and music groups will step up: Laur Joamets Trio with Margus Kappel, Lembit Saarsalu Trio, the Weekend Guitar Trio and many others.

Double CD with Villem Kapp’s opera “Lembitu”

On Septmeber 17, double CD with the recording of Villem Kapp’s opera Lembitu will be released by Estonian National Opera in cooperation with Estonian Record Productions. Recording from 1960ies was restored ny Jüri Kruus. The main part is sung by Tiit Kuusik, in other roles there aer Georg Ots, Teo Maiste, Aino Külvand a.o. Theatre Estonia soloists, chorus and orchestra was conducted by Kirill Raudsepp.

Mirjam Tally’s CD Eclipse has been released

CD contains of Tally’s freshest orchestral music performed by Estonian and Swedish orchestras.

Pärnu City Orchestra’s concerts Anti Marguste 80

The season opening concert of PCO pays the tribute to Anti Marguste. Composer whose music primarily emanates from Estonian old folk song and is characterised by original sense of humor celebrated his jubilee in August. At the concert “Antiman – Anti Marguste 80”, Marguste’s music will be performed together with Pärnu City Orchestra also by Estonian National Male Choir, Piret Aidulo (organ) and Raivo Tafenau (saxophone).

Tiit Kuusik 100

The September 11th 2011 celebrated the 100th anniversary of Tiit Kuusik (11.09.1911-15.08.1990), one of Estonia's most outstanding baritone of all times. On September 17 at 7 pm, Tiit Kuusik devoted opera gala will take place at the Estonian National Opera. Excerpts from operas by Gioacchino Rossini, Giuseppe Verdi and Richard Wagner will be performed by soloists, choir and orchestra of the Estonian National Opera.

World premieres of new versions of Arvo Pärt’s works

Last week, new versions of Arvo Pärt’s pieces were premiered at the concert dedicated to the 150th anniversary of Republic of Italy. Performers were RAI National Symphonic Orchestra and Torino Vocalensemble under the baton of Tito Ceccherini.

7th Tallinn Chamber Music Festival

From September 11 to 25, the 7th Tallinn Chamber Music Festival will take place in the capital city of Estonia. The program of the festival consists of 13 concerts, taking place in the historic concert halls and churches – the Town Hall, Hopner House, St. John’s, Charles’ and St. Michael’s Swedish Church.

Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir 30

From September 9 to 12, season opening concerts of Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir will take place. Concerts dedicated to the 30th anniversary of EPCC present Arvo Pärt’s “2 slawische Pslamen”, Galina Grigorjeva’s “Nox vitae” (text: Innokenti Annenski) and Rudolf Tobias’s “Kleine Karfreitagsmotette” and “Vivit!” as well as music by Alfred Schnittke and Johannes Brahms. Pärt’s “Es sang vor langen Jahren” (text: Clemens von Brentano) will be performed by Iris Oja (alto), Harry Traksmann (violin) and Arvo Haasma (viola).

Concerts of the Association of Estonian Professional Musicians in September

The Association of Estonian Professional Musicians’ new concert season consists of many interesting concerts taking place here in Tallinn and in other Estonian towns.

Tallinn Jazz Weekend

Tallinn Jazz Weekend is a showcase festival of Estonian jazz music and belongs to the program of European Capital of Culture Tallinn 2011. From September 23 to 24, 14 ensembles will appear on the stage at Von Krahl Theatre: UMA, Tanel Ruben Quintet, Kadri Voorand Group, Tuule Kann–Jaak Sooäär, Villu Veski “Innovative Life”, Andres Mustonen Crossover Quartet, Peedu Kass 005, Hedvig Hanson Group, Heavy Beauty, Weekend Guitar Trio, VindPower, Ingrid Lukas, Tom-Tomm Kvintett and State of Zoe.

'My Beloved' by Riho Maimets performed in Florida

On September 7 at 8pm, piece for french horn and piano My Beloved by young Estonian composer Riho Maimets will be performed at the 2nd Master's Recital of French horn player Corey Klein.

The Plektrum Festival 08.-18.09.2011 in Tallinn

The Plektrum Festival will be opened with “Bas Relief“, an Estonian-German joint project, presenting the music of contemporary Estonian and German composers. The concert includes the first performances of works by Malle Maltis (Estonia) and Fabian Müller (Switzerland), and the performances of works by Jüri Reinvere, Toivo Tulev, Arvo Pärt (Estonia) and Reinhard David Flender (Germany).

Documentary of Olav Roots

On Septmeber 7, documentary of Olav Roots entitled Roots, Hundred Years of War and Music will be premiered. Director is Katrin Laur. In the film, Olav Roots’s grandsons Julian and Nicholas Roots from Miami are searching their roots.

Estonian Music Information Centre launched a new webpage and Sheet Music Shop

On September 2, Estonian Music Information Centre launched a new, refreshed webpage, www.emic.ee . Considering positive feedback from the users, general structure and information of the previous webpage was preserved in course of the reconstruction aside adding new contents and information blocks. In addition to other information, EMIC’s renovated webpage represents regular news about the running activities of the Estonian Music Information Centre, a monthly Calendar of Music Events, and detailed instructions for Estonian and foreign professional musicians and amateurs about the possibilities to obtain the scores and recordings of Estonian music

Estonian Music Information Centre started cooperation with Netiraadio

On August 23, Estonian Music Information Centre concluded a cooperation contract with NGO Estonian Music Export which, together with Estonian Authors’ Society, manages Netiraadio - an internet radio which exclusively is focused on broadcasting of Estonian music. The mutual aim of the cooperation is the more intensive and complex promotion of Estonian classical and contemporary music in homeland and all over the world.

Mirjam Tally composer's recital on Swedish Radio

On September 5 at 10.30 pm, Swedish Radio P2 will broadcast Mirjam Tally composer’s recital held in Visby Cathedral on August 27. Concert will be followed by the interview with the composer.

Season opening concert of the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra

On September 2 at 7 pm, the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra and its artistic director Neeme Järvi will open their 85th anniversary season. The program consists of Villem Kapp’s choral poem North Coast, Robert Schumann’s Symphony No. 3 and Richard Strauss symphonic poem Don Quixote. The soloists are Alexander Zemtsov (viola) and Jan-Erik Gustafsson (cello).

Arvo Pärt Days

Nargenfestival presents three musical events dedicated to Arvo Pärt, including concert where the first time in the world all Arvo Pärt's symphonies will be performed at one night.

Estonian music and musicians at the Baltic Sea Festival

On August 27, inauguration concert of Baltic Sea Festival in Sweden will be given by Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, Latvian Radio Choir, Estonian National Male Choir and Lithuanian girls’ choir Liepaites under the baton of Tõnu Kaljuste. The program includes Arvo Pärt’s “In principio” (2003) for mixed choir and symphony orchestra as well as Veljo Tormis’s “Three I had those words of beauty”. Also Pēteris Vasks’s, Ludwig van Beethoven’s and Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis’s music will be performed.

Festival Towers of Tallinn on August 25-27

Tallinn 2011 - European Capital of Culture and Corelli Music Agency present new concert series, in which newer and older towers of Tallinn like Radisson Blu (SAS) Hotel, SEB Bank's headquarters and old town towers Tall Hermann, Fat Margaret and Kiek in de Kök will be used as concert venues.

Two new CD-s from Estonian Record Productions

On August 23, Estonian Record Productions will realese the new verison of Arvo Pärt's CD-single "Vater unser" and the CD of early music consort Hortus Musicus.

Peeter Vähi’s oratorio “Peuangelion kata Marihamm” (Mary Magdalene Gospel) to be premiered

On August 19, Peeter Vähi’s oratorio “Peuangelion kata Marihamm” (Mary Magdalene Gospel) will be premiered in Riga St. Peter’s Church at the international sacred music festival. An hour-long and seven-part work for soloists, choir and symphony orchestra will be conducted by Risto Joost.

Birgitta Festival on August 13-21

Birgitta Festival is held from 13 to 21 August in its traditional venue - the ruins of Pirita monastery in Tallinn. This year the festival program includes performances by Moscow opera theatre Helikon, Russian National Ballet, International Opera Music Festival in Pärnu - PromFest, Kaunas State Musical Theatre and Pärnu theatre Endla.

Erkki-Sven Tüür’s cycle for strings on tour in Australia

From August 9 to 20, Erkki-Sven Tüür’s string cycle Action.Passion.Illusion will be played at 10 concerts in Australia.

Concerts of organist Ines Maidre in Finland, the Netherlands and Germany

From August 9 till 21, organist Ines Maidre will give four concerts in Finland, the Netherlands and Germany. The programs consist of music by Johann Sebastian Bach, Dietrich Buxtehude, Ferenc Liszt, Guy Bovet, Kurt Wiklander, Egil Hovland and Estonian organ music by Edgar Arro, Alfred Karindi and Peeter Süda.

Riho Esko Maimets wins the highSCORE Prize 2011

At the highSCORE Festival, 8-16 July, 2011, Pavia, young Estonian/Canadian composer Riho Esko Maimets presented three of his works: Sanctus for string quartet; My Beloved for french horn and piano; and Aftermath for solo guitar. In recognition of his creation, he has been awarded the 2011 highSCORE prize.

Anti Marguste 80 – opera evening “Monologues”

On August 5, composer Anti Marguste will celebrate his 80th birthday. On that occasion, Nargen Opera will bring his three mini mono-operas, based on the Estonian liturature classic, on the stage for the first time: Andres’s Monologues on the text of Anton Hansen Tammsaare, Tiina’s Monologues on the text of August Kitzberg and Arno’s Monologues on the text of Oskar Luts.

Estonian TV Girls’ choir and conductor Aarne Saluveer in Argentina

From August 3 till 10, the 9th World Symposium on Choral Music will take place in Puerto Madryn, Argentina and Estonian TV Girls’ Choir, conducted by Aarne Saluveer, is the first Estonian choir that has been invited to participate in this event. Saluveer will also conduct one of the master classes.

Japanese pianist Takahiro Akiba to perform Estonian music in Tallinn Town Hall

On July 26, Japanese pianist Takahiro Akiba will perform in Tallinn Town Hall. In addition to the works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Sergey Rakhmaninov and Japanese composer Sonomi, the concert programme includes Estonian piano music: „Ballade on a theme of Mart Saar“ (1945) by Eduard Tubin and „The Path of Winter“ (2004) by Tõnu Kõrvits.

Music events in July 2011

Selection of music events in Estonia and performances of Estonian musicians abroad

Concerts of Tallinn Sinfonietta in Italy

From July 15 to 18, chamber orchestra Tallinn Sinfonietta under the baton of Andres Mustonen will give four concerts in Italy. The program consists of music by Johann Sebastian Bach, Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Joonas Kokkonen, Ástor Piazzolla, Arvo Pärt, Gia Kancheli, Einojuhani Rautavaara, Alexander Knaifel, Valentin Silvestrov and Sofia Gubaidulina.

Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir will perform in two operas in France

In July, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir will have once again chance to participate in two different opera projects with London Symphony Orchestra and acknowledged opera singers, directors and conductors. Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s La clemenza di Tito will premiere at Theatre de l’Archeveche within the Aix-en-Provence Festival.

Conductor Neeme Järvi’s and Estonian National Symphony Orchestra’s concert „World and Land“

On June 30, the eve of 11th Youth Song and Dance Celebration the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, its artistic director Neeme Järvi, the Estonian National Male Choir and 13-year old pianist Tengu Ahmad Irfan from Malaysia will give a concert entitled World and Land at the Nokia Concert Hall.

XI Youth Song and Dance Celebration

From July 1 to 3, Youth Song and Dance Celebration will take place in Tallinn Song Festival Grounds. The theme of this year’s celebration – „The wide world begins in a small land“ – tells the story how the desire to see the big world takes us away from home until we understand that home is where the world begins, and when we realise that, we will return.

Concerts of the Association of Estonian Professional Musicians in June, July and August

During the three summer months, the concert series Elite Concerts, organized by the Association of Estonian Professional Musicians, will continue with eight concerts.

Premiere of “Tale of the Creation” by Tauno Aints at Gaudeamus

On June 26, Tauno Aints’s “Tale of Creation” will be premiered at Baltic Students Song and Dance Festival Gaudeamus in Vilnius. “Tale of Creation” (2009) is a staged oratorio for male-, female- and mixed choir, ensemble and wind orchestra. Libretto is written by Anzori Barkalaja, directors are Indrek Sammul and Jaanus Randma, conductor is Raul Talmar.

International Hand Bell Festival „Bells Art“

From June 25 to 29, international hand bell festival „Bells Art“ will take place in Tallinn. The key event is the premiere of Peeter Vähi’s Bronze Reflections for hand bells and cathedral carillons performed by Arsis Hand Bell Ensembles and Tartu Hand Bell Ensemble.

Eduard Tubin Museum will be opened

On June 18 at 2 pm, Eduard Tubin Museum will be opened in renovated Alatskivi Castle. Stationary exposition of Estonian music classic’s life and work was compiled by Estonian Theatre and Music Museum and introduces Tubin’s schoolmates, gives an overviews of his music. His personal things, manuscripts, books, recordings of Tubin’s music, films and photos made by composer himself are exposed to view.

CD-single „Vater unser“ by Arvo Pärt will be released today

Estonian Record Productions in co-operation with the International Arvo Pärt Centre will release CD-single „Vater unser“ today. The set comprises also the manuscript of the score. The CD is meant as a present to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI on his 60th anniversary of priesthood.

Suure-Jaani Music festival to begin

From June 17–23, Suure-Jaani Music festival will take place for the 14th time. Event dedicated to Kapp-family (composers Artur, Villem and Eugen Kapp) offers also music by other Estonian composers, world classics and contemporary music as well.

Urmas Sisask’s choir opera Labyrinth or Saints of Estonia

On June 15 at 7 pm, Urmas Sisask’s choir opera Labyrinth or Saints of Estonia, Op. 129 will be premiered in Tallinn St. John’s Church.

Success of Tatjana Kozlova and Sven Sosnitski at Rostrum

Estonian composers were acknowledged at the International Rostrum of Composers in Vienna: Tatjana Kozlova's Disintegration Chain for chamber ensemble and sound objects was voted among the 10 selected works in the general category; Sven Sosnitski's electroacoustical piece Solara was awarded 3rd prize in the category of composers under 30.

Timo Steiner’s new opera „2 Heads“

On June 10 at 10 pm, new Estonian opera "2 Heads" (libretto: Maarja Kangro) by Timo Steiner will receive its world premiere performance at Noblessner foundary in Tallinn. Director of the opera is Mart Koldits, designer Pille Jänes and coreographer Renate Valme. The opera with four personages will be sung by Juuli Lill, Oliver Kuusik, René Soom and Olari Viikholm. Nargenfestival Choir and Estonian National Symphony Orchestra will be conducted by Tõnu Kaljuste.

Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir in Tampere

On June 10, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir under its chief conductor Daniel Reuss will perform at Tampere within the Tampere Vocal Music Festival. The concert, consisting of music by Sibelius, Pärt, Grigorjeva, Tüür and Kreek will be held at Tampere Cathedral at 8 pm.

Tatjana Kozlova and Sven Sosnitski at International Rostrum of Composers

Works of Sven Sosnitski and Tatjana Kozlova represent Estonia at this year’s International Rostrum of Composers. One of the most important contemporary music forum takes place from 7 to 10 June in Vienna. 28 radio stations from all over the world participate in the event organised by International Music Council and ORF Radio. Results will be announced in Friday evening. Tiia Teder, chief editior of Estonian Klassikaraadio, will take part in the work of jury of Rostrum.

Erkki-Sven Tüür’s Conversio in Canada and UK

In this week, Erkki-Sven Tüür’s chamber work Conversio will reach on stages of Canada and UK music festivals. Frequently performed minimalist piece written in1994 has been recorded on 3 CDs.

Premiere of Erki Meister’s new work

On June 2 and 3, Erki Meister’s new work Floribus Cor (The Flowers of the Heart) will receive its world premiere performance within the framework of the 30th Tallinn Old Town Days.

X Estonian Composers’ Festival

From June 2 to 5, Estonian Composers’ Festival offers fresh Estonian music at six concerts in Tartu St. John Church and workshops on works by internationally known Estonian composers.

Chamber ensemble piece by Jaan Rääts at season closing concert of Tallinn Philharmonic Society

On May 27, Tallinn Philharmonic Society will close its 2010/2011 concert season with concert at Tallinn Methodist Church at 7 pm. Tallinn Chamber Orchestra under the guidance of Russian conductor Stanislav Kotshanovski will perform Jaan Rääts's "Nonet", Op. 29.

Erkki-Sven Tüür’s „Awakening“ in Berlin

On May 26, the German premiere of Erkki-Sven Tüür’s Awakening (2011) for mixed choir and symphony orchestra will take place at Chamber Music Hall of Berliner Philharmonie at 8 pm. It will be performed by Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and Deutches Kammerochester Berlin, with Daniel Reuss conducting.

Premieres of Estonian composers at the festival Sounds New

From May 20–29 , new music festival Sounds New is taking place in Canterbury, that bears the title Baltic+ and features composer Arvo Pärt. Estonian contemporary music ensemble U: will give a concert, new works by Tatjana Kozlova, Malle Maltis and Timo Steiner will be performed by ensemble CoMA.

Aare Kruusimäe's Circle of Life to be premiered

Aare Kruusimäe’s new piece Circle of Life (2010) will be performed at the 20th anniversary concert of the Estonian National Library's Female Choir on Sunday.

Oulu Sinfonia features Mihkel Poll

On May 19, pianist Mihkel Poll will appear with Oulu Sinfonia under the guidance of its chief conductor Anna-Maria Helsing in Finland. The program consists of Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in B flat minor and Sergei Prokofiev’s orchestral suite from the ballet Romeo and Juliet.

Türi Spring Festival

From May 12 to 15, Türi Spring Festival will take place for the fifth time. Türi is well known as the Estonian Springtime Capital. This year the nature-themed music festival is focusing to starry sky and universe. The program of the festival presents concerts of music inspired from starry sky, several lectures about universe, photo exhibition on the theme of astronomy, starry sky observations, guided walks to museums, animated film workshop and other events.

Tõnu Kõrvits’s new work for female choir

At the spring concert of Academic Female Choir of Tartu University Tõnu Kõrvits’s Songs of Song of Songs will be premiered. Piece in four parts is based on text of Song of Solomon translated by Vello Salo.

Paavo Järvi conducts new work by Erkki-Sven Tüür in U.S

In May, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra under its chief conductor Paavo Järvi will premiere brand new orchestral work Fireflower by Erkki-Sven Tüür. The concerts will be held on May 13 and 14 at 7.30 pm at Cincinnati Music Hall.

Season's final concerts

The season's final concerts of Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, Vanemuine Symphony Orcehstra, the State Concert Institute Eesti Kontsert and Tallinn Philharmonic Society.

Mirjam Tally’s orchestral work Eclipse to be premiered

On May 12, Mirjam Tally’s orchestral work Eclipse will be premiered in Uppsala, Sweden. 15-minute piece commissioned by Uppsala Chamber Orchestra prefigure the pictures of nature: early hour before the sunrise, sounds of birds and animals in the jungle, increasingly appearing light expands to the sunrise.

Tallinn Sinfonietta in Amsterdam Concertgebouw

On May 8, Tallinn Sinfonietta under the baton of Andres Mustonen will perform in Amsterdam Concertgebow. Morning concert begins at the great hall at 11 am and is entitled Carefree Sunday with Mozart and Beethoven.

Kalev Kuljus will perform with Estonian National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Mikk Murdvee

On May 6 at 7 pm, the principal oboist of NDR Sinfonieorchester in Hamburg Kalev Kuljus will perform with Estonian National Symphony Orchestra at Estonia Concert Hall in Tallinn. Orchestra will be conducted by Mikk Murdvee who made his successful debut with Estonian National Symphony Orchestra in March 2010.

Piano recital of Marko Martin in Tallinn

On May 5 at 7 pm, pianist Marko Martin will give solo recital at Estonian Concert Hall in Tallinn within the series Elite Concerts organised by Association of Estonian Professional Musicians.

Concerts of Nordic Symphony Orchestra today and tomorrow

Nordic Symphony Orchestra presents series entitled Meeting Place Tallinn with the concert WoW. Program includes Eino Tamberg’s Opening Fanfares, Op. 112 (1975/2001) and Estonian premiere of Esa-Pekka Salonen’s Wing on Wing.

The concerts of Baltic Music Festival in St. John’s Church in St. Petersburg in May

In May, series Baltic Music Festival in St. John’s Church in St. Petersburg launched together with the reopening of the St. John’s Church, will come to the end. Festival which started in March, has presented various concerts with different performers. May offers altogether three choral, orchestral and jazz music concerts. Festival is organised by the State Concert Institute Eesti Kontsert.

Performances of Mart Siimer’s Te Deum

This week, Mart Siimer’s Te Deum for three mixed choirs, two organs and string quartet can be listened in Tallinn and Pärnu.

Rein Rannap and Estonian National Symphony Orchestra

On April 29 at 7 pm concert of Estonian National Symphony Orchestra will take place in Estonia Concert Hall where Rein Rannap’s Concerto grosso in uno movimento will be performed with composer himself playing the celesta and harspchord part. Work written in 1980 is based on models of Baroque music, it is well sounding, melodic and consists the intonations of folk and rock music.

Piret Rips-Laul composer recital

On April 28 at 7 pm, Piret Rips-Laul composer recital will take place at Kaarli Church in Tallinn. It forms a part of series A Composer in Residence for Every District in Tallinn that is Estonian Composers’ Union’s contribution to the program of European Capital of Culture Tallinn 2011. Piret Rips-Laul is residing in Kristiine in April.

Vocalissimo: Priit Volmer

Concert series Vocalissimo which introduces Estonian singers will continue with three concerts in Pärnu, Tartu and Tallinn. Bass Priit Volmer will perform with flutist Oksana Sinkova, guitarist Heiki Mätlik and pianist Piia Paemurru.

New work by René Eespere will be premiered by Mari Tampere

On April 27, Violin Gala will take place at Estonia Concert Hall at 7 pm, marking the 60th anniversary of violinist and pedagogue Mari Tampere. The jubilee concert will present René Eespere’s new work Cantus III for violin and chamber orchestra (2011).

Rein Rannap’s „Soul birds II“

Rein Rannap’s Soul Birds I, premiered with the great success in All Souls’ Day previous year, will get the sequel in Holy Week – Soul Birds II (Hingelinnud II) will be performed both in Tallinn and Tartu. Poetical song cycle is written on text by Indrek Hirv and dedicated to the Estonian Television Children’s Choir.

Opera project with music by Age Veeroos will be premiered in Berlin

This week opera project Grid for which the music was written by Age Veeroos will be premiered in Berlin. For the project, Veeroos with 6-member team won the main prize at the competition of music theatre project Operare 2010, organised by Berlin Contemporary Opera in 2010. Grid’s starting point is life in the large city in the 21th century. It tells about human condition beside the rapidly changing technology, new forms of perception, reality and virtual world, changes of social space.

Music by Veljo Tormis, Helena Tulve and Tatjana Kozlova will be performed at „Jazzkaar“

This year’s Tallinn International Festival Jazzkaar taking place from April 20 to 30, will introduce Norwegian guest festival Punkt where works by Veljo Tormis, Helena Tulve and Tatjana Kozlova will be performed. Punkt Festival will be held on April 20 and 21 at the House of the Brotherhood of Blackheads in Tallinn.

Tõnu Kaljuste conducts concert of Pärt’s music in Oslo

On April 19 at 7 pm, Easter concert of music by Arvo Pärt will take place in Oslo Cathedral. Norwegian Chamber Orchestra and Norwegian Soloists Choir will be conducted by Tõnu Kaljuste. Adam’s Lament for mixed choir and string orchestra (2011), which Kaljuste conducted for the first time last summer in Istambul, will now receive its Norwegian premiere.

Andres Uibo 55

On April 16, organist, composer and pedagogue Andres Uibo will celebrate his 55th birthday with jubilee concert at St. Nicholas’s Church in Tallinn. Uibo’s students, friends and colleagues will be featured at the concert starting at 7 pm. The program consists of Uibo’s own works including one premiere and pieces by Johann Sebastian Bach, Henryk Wieniawski and Stephen Adams.

Toivo Tulev’s orchestral work Descendit to be premiered

Toivo Tulev’s new work Descendit (2011) will be premiered in Saturday. Work written for violin, oboe, piano and strings was inspired of concerto grosso – form of Baroque music in which the musical material is passed between a small group of soloists and full orchestra.

Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir will perform with Claudio Abbado in Italy and participate in Stockhausen’s opera in Germany

From April 14 to 21, the female section of Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir will take part in four concerts in Italy performing Nocturnes by Claude Debussy under the baton of world famous conductor Claudio Abbado. During in April, members of the chamber choir will also participate in opera Sonntag by Kalrheinz Stockhausen at Opera Köln.

Tõnu Kõrvits, Ülo Krigul and Mirjam Tally at ISCM World New Music Days

From April 10 to 15, annual ISCM World New Music Days entitled Mirabilia Memorabilia will take place in Zagreb within the framework of Music Biennale Zagreb (from April 7 to 17).