The ESTONIAN PHILHARMONIC CHAMBER CHOIR Metropolitan United Church Tuesday, February 26: Rachmaninov's VESPERS Wednesday, February 27: Double Choir Music With THE ELMER ISELER SINGERS TORONTO, January 22, 2002 – Soundstreams Canada and CBC Radio Two proudly present the world-famous Estonian Philharmonic ChamberChoir in two eagerly awaited performances filled with inspirational music, taking place at Toronto's Metropolitan United Church (56 Queen St. East). On Tuesday, February 26 at 8pm, the 28-voice ensemble - under the direction of Tõnu Kaljuste - performs Rachmaninov's magnificent Vespers, as well as Litany to Thunder by the famed Estonian composer Veljo Tormis. On Wednesday, February 27 at 8pm, Toronto's own Elmer Iseler Singers join the Estonian group to form a 50-voice choir. The eclectic program comprises works by Estonia's best known composer, Arvo Pärt, Switzerland's Frank Martin and Canada's John Estacio. The evening also features the world première of O that you would kiss me, a stunning work for double choir by Toronto composer James Rolfe. Conductors Tõnu Kaljuste and Lydia Adams take turns at the podium. Founded in 1966, the celebrated Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir gives approximately 100 concerts yearly at home and abroad, receiving praise from reviewers worldwide. The Choir has made numerous recordings, including Veljo Tormis' Litany To Thunder (ECM 465 223-2) which will be performed on February 26. These Toronto concerts - exclusive Canadian appearances as part of the Choir's North American tour — mark a much-anticipated return to Toronto for the EPCC: their last appearances here (two Soundstreams presentations) in 1999 were completely sold out. "...a choral sound unlike any... hale and full-bodied, yet pure, piercing and translucent.", wrote then the National Post. The EPCC is currently under the artistic direction of Paul Hillier. For this tour however, the Choir is reunited with renowned conductor Tõnu Kaljuste, who led the Choir from 1981 to 2001. Tuesday, February 26: Rachmaninov's Vespers: The dark, stark splendor of this unaccompanied sacred music may surprise those who know only the composer's virtuoso piano concertos. Based on the ancient chants of the Russian Orthodox Church, which traditionally feature deep, Slavic bass voices, these Vespers have a sonority that's unforgettable, resonant, and profound. The EPCC also sings 6 short pieces by Veljo Tormis, including Litany to Thunder. The work was written in 1974 by the esteemed Estonian composer. Veljo Tormis was born in 1930; he is revered in his native land as a leader who helped keep Estonian culture alive during the period of Soviet occupation. Tõnu Kaljuste is at the helm of the magnificent ensemble. Wednesday, February 27: Double-Choir Masterpieces. This cleverly designed program features the world premiere of James Rolfe's O that you would kiss me. One of our most remarkable young composers, James Rolfe is well known to Canadian audiences as the creator of the critically acclaimed opera Beatrice Chancy. His music, notable for being particularly moving, has been performed throughout Canada, the USA and Europe, garnering rave reviews. Of his new work for double choir, he comments: "The song of Solomon is like a deep well of yearning; it brims with the excitement and the anxiety which love brings, and expresses them in beautifully physical language."

Estonia's best-known musical ambassador, Arvo Pärt is also prominently featured on this program, with recent works such as Doppo la vittoria and The Woman with the Alabaster Box. Together with the Elmer Iseler Singers, the EPCC offer Toronto audiences a chance to discover a rarely heard gem: Mass for double choir by Switzerland's Frank Martin (1890-1974). The program also features Eulogies, by John Estacio - for which the composer received the Association of Canadian Choral Conductors' 1999 National Award for Outstanding Choral Composition. Currently Resident Composer with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and Calgary Opera, John Estacio is considered by many a rising star in new Canadian music. He is currently collaborating with playwright John Murrell on a new opera. Soundstreams Canada – one of the country's leading presenters of contemporary music – was honoured with a second consecutive Lieutenant Governor's Award for the Arts, in a ceremony held at the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite at the Queen’s Park Legislative Building last November. Soundstreams Canada received the prestigious Award in recognition of Ontario-based arts organizations for demonstrating exceptional private sector and community support. Soundstreams Canada was the beneficiary of a Jackman-Bickell Award in the amount of $10,000. Organizations receiving awards in all categories included the Soulpepper Theatre Company, the Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art and the Ottawa International Jazz Festival. "We have always been proud of our entrepreneurial spirit, and are reaching an ever broader public both young and old. It’s wonderful to be publicly recognized for this.", commented Lawrence Cherney, founder and artistic director of Soundstreams Canada. Soundstreams seeks to engage the public in new Canadian music through its annual Encounters series, now celebrating its 10th anniversary season, and the Northern Encounters Festival. The organization has also introduced thousands of young people and adults to the joy of contemporary creation through two extensive outreach initiatives called Encounters for Youth and Community Outreach. Tuesday, February 26 at 8PM. Music by Rachmaninov and Tormis ESTONIAN PHILHARMONIC CHAMBER CHOIR - Tõnu Kaljuste, conductor Wednesday, February 27 at 8 PM. Music for Double Choir. ESTONIAN PHILHARMONIC CHAMBER CHOIR - Tõnu Kaljuste, conductor THE ELMER ISELER SINGERS – Lydia Adams, conductor

METROPOLITAIN UNITED CHURCH (56 Queen Street East) Tickets: $30, $20 (students & seniors) Group Rates Available. Box Office: (416) 366-7723 www.soundstreams.ca - 30 – Media Inquiries: Francine Labelle/FRANCINE LABELLE INK Phone: (416) 277-7666 labellefrancine@sympatico.ca

Eestlased Kanadas

TRENDING