Estonian composers bring new works to Belgian and UK festivals

Estonian contemporary music will feature at two European festivals in November and December, with world premieres, performances by Estonian musicians and ensembles, and masterclasses, ERR reports.

At Belgium’s Ars Musica festival, the programme includes new works by Helena Tulve, Tõnu Kõrvits and Erkki-Sven Tüür, alongside performances and projects introducing Estonia’s music scene.

The Brussels-based Estonian choir Collegium Balticum will perform under conductor Maris Pajuste. LAPS-LENSemble will present a new work by Tulve, while Trio Theros will take part in a masterclass with Tüür and perform his music. A new work by Kõrvits will be performed by cellist Pierre Fontenelle and pianist Ninon Hannecart-Ségal. Ensemble Musiques Nouvelles will also perform new music by Tüür.

The festival’s film programme includes an evening of short films curated by Luc Dardenne, featuring Estonian short films.

At the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival in the United Kingdom, Gregor Kulla’s “whatevergirl” will receive its UK premiere, and Liisa Hõbepappel’s new work will have its world premiere.

Estonian performers at Huddersfield include double bassist, experimental musician and performance artist Kris Kuldkepp; multi-instrumentalist and improviser Katariin Raska; and visual and sound artist and free improviser Villem Jahu. The Tallinn New Music Ensemble will also perform, including Liisa Hirsch’s “Liivi kood”, inspired by Juhan Liiv’s poem “Sa tulid”.

Marika Goldman, Estonia’s cultural representative based in London, said the festival appearances were the result of years of work and growing trust. She described them as recognition for Estonian composers and performers, adding that cultural cooperation develops through trust and quality.