ECM 2026: Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir

Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir
National Symphony Orchestra Ireland
Anja Lechner, cello
Tõnu Kaljuste, conductor

Erkki-Sven Tüür Passio
Erkki-Sven Tüür Illusion
Erkki-Sven Tüür Cristallisatio
Tõnu Kõrvits Laul (Song) 
Tõnu Kõrvits Peegeldused tasasest maast (Reflections from a Quiet Landscape)
Tõnu Kõrvits Dreams 4–7 from Seven Dreams of Seven Birds
Arvo Pärt Symphony No 1 
Arvo Pärt In principio

A Grammy-winning choir, the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, led by conductor Tõnu Kaljuste, joins National Symphony Orchestra Ireland for a powerful evening of atmospheric Baltic music by renowned Estonian composers. 

The programme centres on the music of Arvo Pärt, one of the world’s most celebrated living composers from Estonia. Known for its calm, meditative beauty, his music creates a deeply moving and spiritual listening experience. The choir performs his dramatic In Principio, inspired by the opening lines of the Gospel of John, along with his striking First Symphony.

The concert also explores music by fellow Estonian composers Erkki-Sven Tüür and Tõnu Kõrvits, whose works combine shimmering orchestral colour with moments of quiet reflection including Dreams 4-7 from Seven Dreams of Seven Birds in which cellist Anja Lechner’s playing evokes birds in flight and the stillness of nature.

This special concert offers a unique opportunity to experience the haunting beauty of Baltic music live in concert.

Presented by NCH

The National Concert Hall’s ECM 2026 series, celebrating the pioneering German label, is part of Ireland’s Cultural Programme for the 2026 Presidency of the Council of the European Un-ion, supported by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.