One of the best classical works of the 21st century will be heard in Estonia for the first time

Text Susanna Poikela
Photos Anneli Ivaste

 

The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, the Tallinn Chamber Orchestra and soloists, led by conductor Tõnu Kaljuste, will perform James MacMillan‘s Stabat Mater, which tells the story of Good Friday, in Tallinn and Tartu. The first concert will be held on 17 April at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre Concert Hall in Tallinn, and the second on 18 April at St. Paul’s Church in Tartu.

The work is considered one of the world’s best classics of the 21st century. Seven years ago, the Vatican selected it for the first live concert in the Sistine Chapel. Tens of thousands of people around the world followed the historic event via computers and televisions.

“There is a lot of music in the world that tells the story of Good Friday. Stabat Mater now continues where James MacMillan’s previous work, The Seven Last Words on the Cross, left off. It is particularly touching how the musical journey continues from Jesus’ last breaths to Mary’s pain and compassion, which are expressed in this work with great nuance and power,” describes conductor Tõnu Kaljuste.

The Guardian ranked MacMillan’s Stabat Mater at number 23 on its list of musical masterpieces of the century. “The music is compelling, the message clear, direct, enchanting, and fiery,” The Guardian writes about the work, calling it both ancient and contemporary at the same time.

The soloists in Stabat Mater concerts in Estonia include sopranos Marie Roos, Yena Choi, altos Cätly Talvik, tenors Danila Frantou, Raul Mikson, Toomas Tohert, Danny Zhizhong Xie, and bass Kim Sargsyan.

Tickets for concerts can be purchased from Piletilevi here. 

 

 

 

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Classical Music Concerts Contemporary classical music Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre events Events in Estonia St. Paul's Church in Tartu Stabat Mater