MEDIA RELEASE Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir reunite with ACO ARVO PÄRT & JS BACH 2–13 February Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth “The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir have worked in close proximity with Arvo Pärt since the very beginnings of his career, so bring first-hand insight and perception when it comes to performing his music.” © KAUPO KIKKAS – RICHARD TOGNETTI The Grammy-Award winning Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir will reunite with the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) for the first time in 20 years to perform an ethereal and otherworldly national tour featuring the music of JS Bach and Estonian composer Arvo Pärt. Directed by ACO Artistic Director Richard Tognetti, the concerts will feature Bach’s sublime Lutheran motets interleaved with Pärt’s mystical explorations of the Orthodox faith, before reaching the climax of the program: Pärt’s magnificent Berliner Messe. The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir are regarded as the foremost interpreters of Pärt’s contemplative and profoundly spiritual choral music, and share an intrinsic connection with the composer. They have given numerous world premieres of Pärt’s music and recorded over 10 albums featuring his compositions, including the Grammy-Award winning albums Da Pacem (2007) and Adam’s Lament (2014). NATIONAL TOUR PARTNER PRINCIPAL PARTNER GOVERNMENT PARTNERS 1 MEDIA RELEASE “The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir have worked in close proximity with For interview request, images, media tickets Arvo Pärt since the very beginnings of his career, so bring first-hand insight and or further information, perception when it comes to performing his music,” said Tognetti. please contact: Caitlin Benetatos “Arvo Pärt’s music forms an incredibly important part of the musical psyche of the ACO Communications Manager last 50 years. His style is almost an island unto itself and provides an antidote, if e [email protected] you like, to 20th-century modernism. Pärt’s music also sits in perfect resonance p +61 2 8274 3825 with the music of JS Bach, hence why we’ve paired the two composers m +61 422 934693 together in this program.” Arvo Pärt is one of today’s most distinctive and revered composers, and since 2010 has been the most performed living composer in the world. In 1976, he created a unique musical language called tintinnabuli, that has reached a vast audience the world over and defined his work right up to today. His music extends beyond the borders of 20th and 21st century ‘classical’ music, with musicians as diverse as Bjork, Michael Stipe of R.E.M. and PJ Harvey crediting him as being a major influence on their artistic output. The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir was founded in 1981 and is one of the best-known Estonian music ensembles in the world. The repertoire of the choir extends from Gregorian chant and baroque to the music of the 21st century, with a special focus on the work of Estonian composers. They give over 70 performances each year both in Estonia and abroad and have received 15 Grammy nominations, two of which they won. Arvo Pärt & JS Bach 2–13 FEBRUARY 2019 PROGRAM PERFORMANCE DATES ARVO PÄRT Da pacem Domine SYDNEY MELBOURNE BACH Komm, Jesu, komm City Recital Hall Melbourne Arts Centre ARVO PÄRT Summa Sat 2 Feb, 7pm Hamer Hall BACH Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied Tue 5 Feb, 8pm Sun 10 Feb, 2.30pm ARVO PÄRT Toccata from Collage on B-A-C-H Wed 6 Feb, 7pm Mon 11 Feb, 7.30pm BACH Lobet den Herrn, alle Heiden BACH Der Geist hilft unser Schwachheit auf Sydney Opera House ADELAIDE GALINA GRIGORJEVA In Paradisum Concert Hall Adelaide Town Hall SCULTHORPE Djilile Sun 3 Feb, 2pm Tue 12 Feb, 7.30pm ARVO PÄRT Berliner Messe ARTISTS CANBERRA Llewellyn Hall PERTH Richard Tognetti Director Sat 9 Feb, 8pm Perth Concert Hall Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir Wed 13 Feb, 7.30pm Australian Chamber Orchestra NATIONAL TOUR PARTNER PRINCIPAL PARTNER GOVERNMENT PARTNERS 2 MEDIA RELEASE PHOTO: ZAN WIMBERLEY ‘The Australian ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER ORCHESTRA Chamber The Australian Chamber Orchestra lives and breathes music, making waves around the world for their explosive performances and brave interpretations. Orchestra is Steeped in history but always looking to the future, ACO programs embrace uniformly celebrated classics alongside new commissions, and adventurous cross- high-octane, artform collaborations. Led by Artistic Director Richard Tognetti since 1990, the ACO performs more arresting and than 100 concerts each year. Whether performing in Manhattan, New York, or never ordinary.’ Wollongong, NSW, the ACO is unwavering in their commitment to creating – THE AUSTRALIAN transformative musical experiences. The Orchestra regularly collaborates with artists and musicians who share their ideology: from Emmanuel Pahud, Steven Isserlis, Dawn Upshaw, Olli Mustonen, Brett Dean and Ivry Gitlis, to Neil Finn, Jonny Greenwood, Barry Humphries and Meow Meow; to visual artists and film makers such as Michael Leunig, Bill Henson, Shaun Tan, Jon Frank, and Jennifer Peedom, who have co-created unique, hybrid productions for which the ACO has become renowned. Testament to their international reputation, the ACO were invited to commence a three-year residency as International Associate Ensemble at Milton Court in partnership with London’s Barbican Centre from the 2018/19 season. This residency at one of Europe’s most prestigious concert venues follows on from the success of ACO Artistic Director Richard Tognetti’s time as the Barbican’s first ever Artist-in-Residence at Milton Court Concert Hall. #ACO19 In addition to their national and international touring schedule, the Orchestra has an active recording program across CD, vinyl and digital formats. Their @A_C_O recordings of Bach’s violin works won three consecutive ARIA Awards. Recent AustralianChamberOrchestra releases include Water | Night Music, the first Australian-produced classical vinyl @AustralianChamberOrchestra for two decades, Mozart’s Last Symphonies, Bach Beethoven: Fugue and the AustralianChamberOrchestra soundtrack to the acclaimed cinematic collaboration, Mountain. NATIONAL TOUR PARTNER PRINCIPAL PARTNER GOVERNMENT PARTNERS 3.