The Composers: Arvo Pärt A Sacred Journey

6 & 7 APRIL, SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE
Featuring Tõnu Kaljuste and the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir

His music fulfils a deep human need.
STEVE REICH

Arvo Pärt’s otherworldly, radiantly euphonious music has become one of the characteristic sounds of the age.
The Telegraph

In April 2013, Sydney Opera House will present The Composers: Arvo Pärt, a celebration of the work of one of the most revered composers of our times. The program will include a chamber performance by the Sydney Youth Orchestra and a concert by The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and Musicians of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra with soloists Satu Vänskä, Kirsty Hilton and Veronique Serret conducted by Tõnu Kaljuste.

Now in its second year, The Composers is a Sydney Opera House Presents initiative dedicated to celebrating the music of the most influential contemporary composers. The 2012 program featured a weekend of performances and talks by Steve Reich and a centenary retrospective of the work of John Cage.
Pärt’s impact on the world of new music is unparalled. His prolific output and his intensely intellectual approach to his composition have given him an international following amongst music enthusiasts.  He is most famous for his sacred works and for pioneering minimalist styles. Influenced by plainsong and Gregorian chant, his pared-down, deeply contemplative music has made Pärt one of the most important composers of the 20th and 21st centuries.  

In a coup for Sydney, the Grammy Award winning Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, who Pärt collaborates with and composes specifically for, will perform a program including Tabula Rasa, Spiegel im Spiegel and Fratres. The concert will be conducted by Estonian music exponent Tõnu Kaljuste with the strings from Sydney Symphony Orchestra and soloists Satu Vänskä, Kirsty Hilton and Veronique Serret.

Head of Classical Music, Yarmila Alfonzetti visited the home of Arvo Pärt in September 2012 to discuss his work and The Composers series. View her interview here.

The Composers: Arvo Pärt - Sydney Youth Orchestra
WHEN: 7pm Saturday 6 April, 2013
WHERE: Sydney Opera House, Studio
TICKETS: $25
Bookings: sydneyoperahouse.com / 9250 7777

The Composers: Arvo Pärt - A Scared Journey featuring the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir
WHEN: 7pm Sunday 7 April, 2013
WHERE: Sydney Opera House, Concert Hall
TICKETS: $35 - $85