Arvo Pärt Night at Philharmonie Berlin

About the Event

Arvo Pärt, one of the most important composers of our time, celebrates his 90th birthday in 2025. The internationally renowned Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and its founder Tõnu Kaljuste are dedicating an entire evening to Pärt during their guest performance in Berlin.

Arvo Pärt, born in Estonia in 1935, is one of the most important living composers. His musical explorations and transgressions have influenced — and continue to influence — musicians of all styles. Pärt's works and his style are subject to numerous influences, but they are particularly inspired by sacred elements, liturgical texts and mystical experiences.

This religious and meditative aura of his works was one of the reasons why Pärt aroused the displeasure of the Soviet regime at an early stage, forcing him to spend years in exile in Vienna and Berlin from 1980 onwards. Arvo Pärt celebrates his 90th birthday in 2025. The internationally renowned Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir is dedicating an entire evening to him.

Choral pieces play a central role in the Estonian composer's oeuvre and their evocative power makes them some of his most impressive works. The choir, whose repertoire spans all centuries of music history, accords Estonian composers a special status. Since its foundation in 1981, the ensemble has built up an excellent international reputation and an extensive discography and is considered one of the most sought‐after choirs in the world.

Program
Magnificat
Nunc dimittis
The Deer’s Cry
Summa
Dopo la vittoria
7 Magnificat Antiphonen
Which Was the Son of …
Da Pacem Domine
Kanon Pokajanen: Kontakion
Kanon Pokajanen: Ikos
Kanon Pokajanen: Prayer after the Kanon