Arvo Pärt

- Silhouette
- If Bach Had Been a Beekeeper … (the new version's premiere in Estonia)
- In principio

Ludwig van Beethoven

- Meeresstille und glückliche Fahrt, Op. 112

Johannes Brahms

- Schicksalslied, Op. 54

Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir
Chamber Choir Collegium Musicale
Estonian National Symphony Orchestra
Conductor Tõnu Kaljuste

At the opening concert of the festival, celebrating Arvo Pärt's 85th birthday, Estonian National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Tõnu Kaljuste performs for the first time in Estonia a new version of the 1976 work “If Bach Had Been a Beekeeper …”. Together with Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and Collegium Musicale we will honour Ludwig van Beethoven on the 250th anniversary of his birth with the cantata based on Goethe's poem “Meeresstille und Glückliche Fahrt (“Calm sea and prosperous voyage”), one of the composer's most expressive choral works. The sea has also inspired one of Johannes Brahms's best choir pieces “Schicksalslied” („Song of Destiny“).

 

 

ARVO PÄRT DAYS 2020
Arvo Pärt 85

Nargenfestival celebrates Arvo Pärt's 85th birthday with the new, and never heard in Estonia before, version of the composer's several pieces arranged by himself and others. At the opening concert will sound a new version of the work of the early days of tintinnabuli style “If Bach Had Been a Beekeeper …” performed by Estonian National Symphony Orchestra. Arranger Tõnis Kõrvits has given a more chamberlike sound to “Cecilia, vergine romana”, a work originally written for a choir and a symphony orchestra. Another part of the festival includes the new arrangements from Raschèr Saxophone Quartet (Germany), who celebrated their 50th anniversary last year. The festival's artistic director Tõnu Kaljuste with Tallinn Chamber Orchestra and British violin soloists Hugo Ticciati and Priya Mitchell will bring to the audience's attention thrilling juxtapositions of Arvo Pärt's and Benjamin Britten's creative works. In addition to that, the composer's pieces will be placed side by side with Tõnu Kõrvits's latest piece by Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and Tallinn Chamber Orchestra. The intertwining of Pärt's and Kreek's choral works will be performed by the ensemble Vox Clamantis conducted by Jaan-Eik Tulve. The anniversary season's highlight will be the traditional Arvo Pärt's birthday concert of the composer's pieces with a soprano soloist, two organs, two choirs and an orchestra.

Time flows better with good music ...

The concert is produced by Nargenfestival

Broadcast by the Estonian Classic Radio of the Estonian Public Broadcasting, editor Nele-Eva Steinfeld.