Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir

For over forty years, the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, founded by Tõnu Kaljuste, has been the interpreter of choice for choral music from the Great North, particularly that of his compatriot Arvo Pärt, which he helps to promote beyond its borders.

Contemporary Estonian music is at the heart of the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir’s repertoire, without excluding ancient and Western romantic music or the Baltic heritage. Arvo Pärt is its leading figure and inspiring soul. With him, Tõnu Kaljuste's ensemble explores the purity of its a cappella, the center of gravity of its voices, the dynamics of the choral tapestry, and the brilliance of the soloists. This selection of vocal pieces composed between 1989 and 2007 particularly reflects the Estonian composer's interest in medieval polyphony since the 1980s and his sensitivity to Christian spirituality. It is a gentle call to introspection, meditation, and contemplation.

Program and cast

Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir
Tõnu Kaljuste, conductor
Kadri Toomoja, organ

Programme
Arvo Pärt
Kyrie excerpt from the Berliner Messe
organ and choir
Summa
choir
Veni Sancte Spiritus excerpt from the Berliner Messe
organ and choir
Nunc dimittis
choir
Sanctus excerpt from the Berliner Messe
organ and choir
Dopo la vittoria
choir
Agnus Dei excerpt from the Berliner Messe
organ and choir

Intermission

Kontakion excerpt from Kanon Pokajanen
choir
Ikos
choir
Magnificat
choir
Veni creator
organ and choir
The Deer’s Cry
choir
Three Shepherd Children from Fátima
choir
Littlemore Tractus
organ and choir
Prayer After the Canon excerpt from Kanon Pokajanen
organ and choir
Our Father
organ and choir