Music News

In memoriam composer Jaan Rääts (15.10.1932–25.12.2020)

Composer Jaan Rääts has passed away at the age of 88.

Ensemble Duo Telluur presented debut album

Estonian ensemble Duo Telluur presented their debut album „Evening Mosaic“ which consists of a selection of the most performed and admired pieces through the five years of ensemble history.

Mythos wins Diapason d’or de l’année award

Album „Mythos“ with the music by Erkki-Sven Tüür performed by the Estonian Festival Orchestra and conductor Paavo Järvi was awarded „Diapason d’or de l’année“ by French music magazine Diapason.

New album with Erkki-Sven Tüür’s chamber music released

The new album „Lost Prayers“ with Erkki-Sven Tüür’s chamber music has been released by ECM. The pieces are performed by Harry Traksmann (violin), Florian Donderer (violin), Leho Karin (cello), Marrit Gerretz-Traksmann (piano), Tanja Tetzlaff (cello), and the Signum Quartett.

Estonian String Players Competition 2020

Estonian String Players Competition 2020, taking place from November 5 to 13 in Tallinn, marks the 115th anniversary of the birth of composer Eduard Tubin. This year's competition will feature more than 30 participants, judged by an international jury. All rounds of the competition will be held at the Concert Hall of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre.

BBC Music Magazine: the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir among the best in the world

The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir is named by the BBC Music Magazine as one of the ten best choirs in the world. "Little surprise that a nation famous for song – its independence from the USSR was preceded by a ‘Singing Revolution’ of massed voices in Tallinn in 1988 – should boast one of the world’s finest choirs," the BBC Music Magazine said.

Contemporary Music Festival AFEKT to be held with reduced programme

The International Contemporary Music Festival AFEKT – this year called miniAFEKT – will be held from October 29 to November 4 in Tallinn and Tartu with reduced programme.

12th International Festival Piano

The International Festival Piano taking place from November 16 to 23 at the Estonia Concert Hall focuses on the music by Ludwig van Beethoven. The festival features three Estonian orchestras and top Estonian pianists Age Juurikas, Maksim Štšura, Ralf Taal, Irina Zahharenkova, and Sten Lassmann as well as the guest pianists Lucas Debargue, Nikolai Demidenko, Yeol Eum Son, and Pietro De Maria.

Arvo Pärt Days 2020

Arvo Pärt Days presented by the Nargenfestival takes place from September 2 to 11 and marks the 85th anniversary of the birth of the composer Arvo Pärt. The festival features the new versions of Pärt’s works which has not been performed in Estonia before, including „Wenn Bach Bienen gezüchtet hätte…“ and „Cecilia, vergine romana“.

Maestro Jüri Alperten passes away at 63

Maestro Jüri Alperten, a long-time conductor of the Estonian National Opera, has passed away after a long illness on Wednesday, August 26.

Internationally renowned choral conductor Edward Caswell conducts concerts in Estonia dedicated to Arvo Pärt’s 85th birthday

On 28 August in St John’s Church Tartu and 29 August in St. John’s Church Tallinn, the concerts „Great Service“ will be conducted by internationally renowned choral conductor Edward Caswell. The performances will be dedicated to Arvo Pärt’s 85th birthday and will be performed by Voces Tallinn and the ensemble Floridante.

Estonian Music Information Centre is on summer vacation

Estonian Music Information Centre is on summer vacation until the 2nd of August. Find the information about concerts in July from our Calendar of Music Events. EMIC Music Shop orders will be fulfilled from August 3. Scores in PDF format paid with credit card appear into your mailbox automatically. Have a wonderful summer!

Concerts and performances in Estonia cancelled due to the state of emergency declared by the Estonian government

The Estonian government has declared a state of emergency in connection with the global novel coronavirus pandemic and the likelihood that the virus may spread locally. The state of emergency measures include closing museums and movie theaters as well as cancelling all performances, concerts and conferences. The state of emergency is in effect through May 17, unless the government should decide otherwise.

Presentation concerts of the 2nd album of solo songs by Mart Saar

In January, the 2nd album of solo songs by Estonian composer Mart Saar was released. Saar’s art and folk songs are performed by mezzo-soprano Iris Oja, baritone Atlan Karp and pianist Kadri-Ann Sumera. Presentation concerts will be held on March 10 in Tallinn, March 17 in Viljandi and March 19 in Tartu.

Concerto for Accordion and Chamber Orchestra by Tauno Aints will be premiered in Helsinki

Concerto for Accordion and Chamber Orchestra by Tauno Aints will receive its premiere in Helsinki on February 28. The performers are Mikk Langeproon and Helsinki Chamber Orchestra with James Salomon Kahane conducting.

Erkki-Sven Tüür has revised his Symphony No. 1, performed only once 36 years ago

Erkki-Sven Tüür has revised his Symphony No. 1 which has been performed only once 36 years ago. The new version will be premiered by Tallinn Chamber Orchestra and Tõnu Kaljuste at the Concert Hall of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre on February 21.

Jüri Reinvere's fourth opera receives its premiere in Germany

Estonian composer Jüri Reinvere’s fourth opera „The Shadow” („Der Schatten“) will come on stage of Osnabrück Theatre in June 2021. The two-act opera is based on Hans Christian Andersen’s fair-tale of the same name, the libretto is written by Reinvere himself.

Ensemble Una Corda at Helsinki Harp Festival

Contemporary music ensemble Una Corda will attend the international Helsinki Harp Festival from February 13 to 16. The festival focuses on the Nordic harp music and harpists and includes concerts, masterclasses, workshops and a competition for professional harp students.

„250 piano pieces for Beethoven” features piano work by Age Veeroos

„Imaginäre Sonate” op. 53 by Age Veeroos will be premiered in Bonn as a part of the international project „250 piano pieces for Beethoven” which marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Ludwig van Beethoven.

Tallinn Chamber Orchestra will be touring in Europe

Tallinn Chamber Orchestra will be touring in Europe from January 29 to February 5. The orchestra will be conducted by Risto Joost and Tõnu Kaljuste.

Choral and wind music prizes awarded

Yesterday, on January 26, the Estonian Choral Association announced the annual prizes of choral and wind music 2019. Annual awards were given out in a total of 12 categories, with 81 nominees contending for the prizes. The award ceremony were held at the Estonia Concert Hall.

Pärnu Contemporary Music Days 2020

Pärnu Contemporary Music Days, organised by the Estonian Arnold Schoenberg Society will be held from January 18 to 26 in Pärnu. The event features a symposium, concerts, music workshops, exhibitions, performances, and music listenings.

Robert Jürjendal and Tõnu Kõrvits to be representatives of Estonia at the World New Music Days 2020

This year, the World New Music Days festival, organised by the International Society for Contemporary Music (ISCM), will be held in New Zealand. Robert Jürjendal’s “Bells” and Tõnu Kõrvits’s “Stalker-Suite” were selected from submitted works and will be presented during the festival.

Kristi Kapten performs Liszt’s Piano Concerto with Estonian National Symphony Orchestra

Pianist Kristi Kapten will be the soloist in the Ferenc Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 1 that she will perform together with the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra at the Estonia Concert Hall on Friday, January 9.