Arvo Pärt’s 90th anniversary celebrations begin in January
Text Ingel Kink Photo Priit Grepp
Arvo Pärt, one of the most performed living composers, will celebrate his 90th birthday this year, on September 11, with events held worldwide, from the USA to Germany and the UK. The Arvo Pärt Centre, founded by the composer’s family, will mark this milestone year with a series of concerts, a new permanent exhibition, various publications, and film screenings.
The celebrations began in January with the premiere of a vocal arrangement of Silouan’s Song, a piece originally composed for instrumental ensemble. This performance took place on 12 January 2025, presented by the Vox Clamantis ensemble, conducted by Jaan-Eik Tulve, a group with close ties to Pärt. The concert was broadcast live on Klassikaraadio.
“We are particularly pleased that in the anniversary year, we will have many meaningful international collaboration projects ahead of us, for example with Carnegie Hall in New York, the Flagey Concert Hall in Brussels, the Dresden State Art Collections and the BBC3 radio channel,” said Anu Kivilo.
The Arvo Pärt Centre’s yearlong celebrations include a new permanent exhibition, Tintinnabuli – The World on Sheet Music, which explores Pärt’s creative journey through interactive displays. Dutch vocal ensemble Kwintessens’ performance on January 18 kicks off the Arvo Pärt Year concert series in the Netherlands. His music will be performed in major cultural venues worldwide, including Carnegie Hall, Flagey, and the Philharmonie de Paris. The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir will feature in many of these performances.
The Arvo Pärt Centre will also release two new publications: one focusing on Pärt’s small-scale works and another featuring essays and interviews on his impact. Additionally, the Spiegel im Spiegel exhibition will showcase Pärt’s art and music diaries.
For further details on events taking place throughout the year, visit the Arvo Pärt Centre’s official website.
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