We know Estonia
15.11.2023 | Culture

Early and late music collide in Tallinn

Text Mark Taylor
Photo Andrei Chertkov

Early and late music collide in Tallinn

 

In a quest to unravel the interwoven tapestry of old and new music, the Estonian Contemporary Music Centre, Tallinn Philharmonic, and the Arvo Pärt Centre have joined forces to host an international conference and concerts on November 17 and 18 in Tallinn. The event pays homage to the groundbreaking early and modern music festival held in Tallinn 45 years ago, where the connection between the two genres was first highlighted in Estonia.

The conference aims to delve into the multi-layered aesthetic that the terms “new” and “old” imply, questioning when and why discussions around “new music” began. Presentations from composers, performers, and musicologists will explore the significance of performance practices in restoring sound culture and their relationship with interpretative traditions.

The conference which will take place over two days will be held in Estonian on November 17, and in English on November 18.

However, on both nights there will be music to enjoy. Renowned virtuoso Sigiswald Kuijken will grace the conference’s opening evening with a solo program of Bach’s works. The second night features Halla Steinunn Stefánsdóttir and various Estonian performers, who will transcend time in one concert, bridging early and modern music, and acoustic and electronic sounds.

Tickets for the conference and concerts are available at Piletilevi

 

To learn more about this and similar topics
Concert Conference Early Music Estonian Contemporary Music Centre Late Music music Mustpeade Maja

15.4.2026 | Culture

Ready for Some Good Sax?

Ready for Some Good Sax?

International saxophone stars will perform in two venues on 2 May in Tallinn. These two venues are Uus Laine … Read more

14.4.2026 | Culture

Finno-Ugric Folktronica Concert in Tartu’s Genklubi

Finno-Ugric Folktronica Concert in Tartu’s Genklubi

Finno-Ugric Folktronica is a one-night music programme taking place at Genialistide Klubi in Tartu, also known locally as Genklubi, … Read more

14.4.2026 | Culture

A Norwegian–Estonian–Finnish Evening of Music

A Norwegian–Estonian–Finnish Evening of Music

This Saturday, 18 April, the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra, sometimes described as an all-star ensemble of Norwegian musicians and celebrating … Read more

13.4.2026 | Culture

Exciting events in Estonia this week

Exciting events in Estonia this week

10 April–31 October Consulate of EGS exhibition, Tallinn Works by the internationally renowned Finnish graffiti, contemporary and glass artist … Read more

12.4.2026 | Culture

Iberofest Celebrates Several Countries

Iberofest Celebrates Several Countries

Officially named the Iberoamerican Culture Celebration, but unofficially dubbed Iberofest, this long-running festival will begin in April and extend … Read more

11.4.2026 | Culture

Estonian Music Days Have Begun

Estonian Music Days Have Begun

At the same time as the three-day music programme of Tallinn Music Week reaches its culmination today, Saturday, the … Read more

10.4.2026 | Culture

Comedian Ed Byrne Returns to Tallinn

Comedian Ed Byrne Returns to Tallinn

Ed Byrne is one of the most celebrated comedians in Ireland and the UK, and on 16 April he … Read more

9.4.2026 | Culture

Tartu’s City Centre Is Being Renewed—Little by Little

Tartu’s City Centre Is Being Renewed—Little by Little

Last summer, we reported on the approval of the detailed plan for the large Siuru Cultural Centre to be … Read more