On 16 November, the Chinese Embassy in Estonia and the Tallinn City Government jointly hosted a reception on the occasion of the concert tour in China by the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir (EPCC) and Tallinn Chamber Orchestra (TCO) from 19-25 November. Conducted by Risto Joost, EPCC and TCO will perform five concerts in Beijing, Wuhan, Changsha and Shanghai with a program by the renowned Estonian composer Arvo Pärt.
According to the Chinese Ambassador Mr Qu Zhe, Estonian music and artists are highly valued in China and the forthcoming concerts of the two of the World´s most renowned interpreters of Arvo Pärt´s music, EPCC and TCO, is very much anticipated by the Chinese audiences. He said music is a universal language, that has no borders and Arvo Pärt´s music has a special place also in the hearts of Chinese music-lovers. The Ambassador congratulated the Tallinn City Government on the achievements made between the city and the Chinese capital city Beijing. "This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Estonia. It is also the Year of People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges under the framework of China and Central and Eastern European Countries. The visit by the delegation from Tallinn City Government, EPCC and TCO is exactly at the right time", Mr Ambassador added.
The Deputy Mayor of Tallinn City Government Mr Mihhail Kõlvart considers the forthcoming tour as a token of remarkable appreciation from Chinese music-scene to both Estonian music and musicians. "Tallinn Chamber Orchestra visited China in 2014 and the huge positive response they got then has been the basis of creating this new tour," said Kõlvart. Mr Kõlvart also briefly overviewed the cultural cooperation between Tallinn and Beijing and hoped for more frequent cultural exchanges in the years to come.
The Principal Conductor of the Tallinn Chamber Orchestra and Artistic Director of Tallinn Philharmonic Society Risto Joost pointed out that"Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten" and "Fratres" are most frequently played instrumental pieces in the world by Pärt and "Te Deum" and "Adam's Lament" represent Pärt's writing for choir and orchestra in the best possible way. He was satisfied with the last tour in China two years ago and looked forward to the upcoming visit.
