STATEMENT
about EPCC

by PAUL HILLIER

The EPCC is today one of the most famous choirs in the world. Through its concerts, tours, and recordings it has helped bring recognition to Estonia as a country in which music plays a unique role in articulating the national identity. It is not just that a relatively small country has produced some of the finest musicians and composers of our time, but that Estonia is an example to other countries of what the proper function of art in society can be: not as a mere ornament, or badge of honour, but as something which emerges organically from the history and traditions of the country itself. Above all, the essence of Estonian music rests in its powerful choral tradition, of which the EPCC are the recognised ambassadors.

The following is a list of future goals, many of which are natural developments of the choir's present and past work under their founding director, Tonu Kaljuste - and all honour must go to him for the outstanding contribution he has made to Estonian culture and to the art of choral singing at the highest international level.

1. We will maintain the commitment to the three Estonian composers Veljo Tormis, Arvo Pärt, and Erkki Sven-Tüür. Equally, we will continue to co-operate on projects with the Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, especially in the performance of classical and contemporary repertoire.

2. The choir will commission new works and provide opportunities for the performance of music by younger Estonian composers.

3. The choir will make a series of CD recordings to be made over the next three years (for Harmonia Mundi) called "Baltic Voices".

4. The choir will seek foreign sponsorship to commission new works from major composers around the world

5. We will perform more repertoire from earlier periods (Renaissance and Baroque) and develop ties with Estonian instrumentalists in these fields.

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