Skip to main content

Pärt & Händel

The performance of two renowned music collectives will delve into the world of baroque and contemporary music in a novel way.

Story

The concert will take place in the European Capital of Culture on August 25th at the St. Paul’s Church of Tartu. In one of the major events of 2024, the stage will be taken by Concerto Copenhagen (CoCo), one of the leading Baroque orchestras of Scandinavia, and the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra (EPCO), a two-time Grammy Award winner. The programme will include the works of two masters from different eras, Georg Friedrich Händel and Arvo Pärt, fulfilling CoCo’s long-time dream to perform the compositions of Pärt alongside their usual repertoire of Baroque music. This wish will come to fruition in collaboration with Tõnu Kaljuste and the Estonian Philharmonic Orchestra, who are considered to be esteemed experts and interpreters of Arvo Pärt’s oeuvre.

Experience

The synergy of two top European collectives creates a musical bridge between different eras, connecting the melodies of the 18th century with influential contemporary music. For the first time, CoCo presents the works of Arvo Pärt on historical instruments, the sounds of which have inspired several of Pärt’s early tintinnabuli-style pieces. Through human voice and historical instruments made of natural materials, audiences will experience a novel approach and interpretation.

Concerto Copenhagen is regarded as one of the most exciting ensembles dedicated to early music, captivating audiences worldwide with their passionate and masterfully executed performances. In addition to famous Baroque works, their diverse repertoire is complemented by Scandinavia’s lesser-known music.

The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir has become one of the more internationally renowned Estonian music collectives. This choir, adorned with two Grammy awards and the prestigious Gramophone award, has performed at prestigious festivals and concert halls worldwide, including the Vienna Konzerthaus, Sydney Opera House, and Carnegie Hall. BBC Music Magazine Classical Music has ranked EPCO among the top ten choirs in the world.

Impact

The works of two great masters are separated by centuries, but their music is united by timeless beauty and spiritual depth, which acquires new meanings over time, providing strength and nourishment for the soul, even for contemporary audiences.