Today Foreign Minister Urmas Paet presented the Foreign Ministry cultural stipends, which are given in recognition of people who have helped to introduce Estonia abroad through culture.
“We recognise Arvo Pärt, Tõnu Kaljuste, the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, the ensemble Vox Clamantis, and the Borusan Philharmonic Orchestra for the world premier of the work ‘Adam’s Lament’ in Istanbul,” said Urmas Paet. Foreign Minister Paet stated that the world premier of Arvo Pärt’s “Adam’s Lament” in Istanbul last summer was an extraordinary international event. “The premier of the work of one of the world’s most renowned contemporary composers Arvo Pärt conducted by Tõnu Kaljuste in the ancient Aya Irini church was truly a bow to Estonian culture,” said Paet. The foreign minister also recognised Mikko Fritze for his activities in organising the premier within the framework of the Capital of Culture project.
“We would also like to thank Tiina Lokk for organising the European Film Awards ceremony and the 14th Black Nights Film Festival, both with extreme success. We also thank Lokk for initiating and bringing to life the ‘Black Market’ film market geared towards Eastern Europe,” noted Foreign Minister Paet.
“We consider the contributions of the stipend recipients as well as all other Estonian cultural figures to be essential in introducing Estonia abroad. As a result of their artistic and intellectual activities, more and more people abroad are familiar with Estonia and our culture, society and history,” Paet stressed.
Last year the Foreign Ministry cultural stipends were given to Imbi Paju and Tiit Ojasoo.
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SPOKESPERSON'S OFFICE