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Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir

Main Stage

A celebration of Estonia’s nationhood features favourites by Arvo Pärt – and a world premiere.

Cherished as a national treasure in its own country, the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir — famed for showcasing the work of such renowned compatriots as Arvo Pärt—has also been greeted in North America with the rapture accorded to rock stars.

As the 100th year of Estonia’s independence draws near, conductor Kaspars Putniņš (who last joined Soundstreams for the Canadian Choral Celebration) leads this choral concert featuring works by Pärt and selections from Rachmaninov’s Vespers.

The program also features world premieres by Canadian Omar Daniel (last commissioned by Soundstreams for Celebrate with Soundstreams), and Toronto-born Riho Esko Maimets (last commissioned by Soundstreams for The Music of Arvo Part). Maimets’s hauntingly beautiful, profoundly spiritual music, infused with his Estonian heritage, has won him acclaim and awards in Canada and abroad.

Pre-Concert Chat – 7:00 pm

Arrive early for a pre-concert chat with Artistic Director Lawrence Cherney and artists from the concert.

PROGRAM

Sergei Rachmaninov (1873-1943, Russia)
The Theotokos, Ever-Vigilant in Prayer
Excerpts from Vespers (All-Night Vigil):
    My Soul Doth Magnify the Lord
    Praise the Name of the Lord
    Rejoice O Virgin

Riho Esko Maimets (b. 1988, Canada) 
Three Prayers from the Holy Rosary:
I. Formula Trinitarium
     II. Credo
     III. Pater Noster
World Premiere

INTERMISSION

Omar Daniel (b. 1960, Canada)
Sõduri Ema – Part III
World Premiere

Alfred Schnittke (1934-1998, Russia)
Three Sacred Hymns:
     Hail to the Virgin Mary
     Lord Jesus, Son of God
     Lord’s Prayer

Arvo Pärt (b. 1935, Estonia)
Summa
The Woman with the Alabaster Box
Nunc dimittis
Dopo la vittoria

Riho Esko Maimets’s world premiere supported by Philip & Eli Taylor.
Omar Daniel’s world premiere supported by the Canada Council for the Arts.

Check out the videos below to sample the sounds of the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, and the last work by Riho Maimets premiered by Soundstreams: