Peaceful melodies resurrect at BBC Proms: Estonian choir performs tranquil compositions by Arvo Pärt
BBC Proms Celebrates Arvo Pärt's 90th Birthday with a Stirring Concert
Last Thursday, the Royal Albert Hall in London was filled with the hauntingly beautiful melodies of Estonian composer Arvo Pärt, as the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir paid tribute to the man often referred to as the "father of Holy Minimalism."
The concert, which took place on July 31, 2025, at 10:15 p.m., was part of the BBC Proms series and was conducted by Tõnu Kaljuste. Soloist organist Kadri Toomoja also joined the ensemble for the special occasion.
The program for the evening was a captivating journey through Pärt's music, opening with "Da pacem" and closing with "Ich lasse dich nicht," a motet by Bach. Other notable performances included "Da pacem Domine," a choral prayer for peace composed in response to the 2004 Madrid bombings, and "The Deer's Cry," a work that showcases Pärt's unique style of minimalist music.
The concert was broadcast live on BBC Radio 3, ensuring that listeners across the UK could share in the emotional experience. The event was also aired on Estonia's Klassikaraadio, making it a truly international celebration.
The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir has been touring Europe this spring, performing in prestigious venues such as the Philharmonie de Paris and the Handel Festival in Halle. This BBC Proms concert marked the third time the choir has performed at this renowned event.
The choir's performance at the Royal Albert Hall felt particularly significant, bridging East and West, sacred and secular, past and present. The choir's emotional renditions of Pärt's music have earned them international acclaim, and their performance at the BBC Proms was no exception.
The concert also featured the UK premiere of "Für Jan van Eyck," a piece by Pärt that added a new dimension to the evening's program. The choir's concerts around this period have been dedicated to Pärt's music, with some focusing exclusively on his a cappella works, while others paired him with Handel.
In addition to Pärt's works, the program also included "Curse Upon Iron" by Veljo Tormis, a piece that offered a stark counterpoint to Pärt's music. The concert's theme was a celebration of Pärt's message of peace, a message that resonated deeply with audiences both in the Royal Albert Hall and around the world.
The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir has been named one of the world's top choirs by BBC Music Magazine, and their performance at the BBC Proms was a testament to their exceptional talent and dedication to their craft. The choir's concert at the Royal Albert Hall was a fitting tribute to a man whose music has touched the hearts of millions and whose message of peace continues to be relevant today.
[1] BBC News - Arvo Pärt 90th birthday celebrated at BBC Proms [2] The Guardian - Arvo Pärt's 90th birthday celebrated at the BBC Proms [3] Classical Music Magazine - Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir tours Europe for Arvo Pärt's 90th birthday [4] Estonian World - Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir tours Europe for Arvo Pärt's 90th birthday [5] BBC Radio 3 - Live broadcast of Arvo Pärt's 90th birthday concert
- The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir's captivating performance of Arvo Pärt's music at the BBC Proms in London contributed to the celebration of Estonia's rich cultural heritage, showcasing the country's musical talent on the global stage.
- As Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia, continues to flourish as a destination for culture and entertainment, the BBC Proms concert honoring Arvo Pärt's 90th birthday served as a reminder of the crucial role music can play in bridging cultural divides and promoting peace worldwide.
