London plays host to Estonian concert

 London has played host to a series of concerts showcasing Estonian music.

On Jan. 22, the event 'Estonia - a Music Powerhouse', a concert by the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and premiere of composer Roxanna Panufnik's album 'Dance of Life - Tallinn Mass', introduced Estonian classical music, the Estonian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Estonian ambassador Aino Lepik reiterated, that London is one of the most vibrant centers of culture in the world and therefore it is extremely important for us to be able to bring Estonian works to the fore here. "The embassy in London works closely with various Estonian organizations in order to offer the local public quality and diverse cultural experiences," the ambassador said.

Cultural Counsellor of the Estonian embassy Kristel Oitmaa said the goal of the event 'Estonia - A Music Powerhouse', co-organized by the Estonian Music Development Center and the Estonian Embassy in London, was to introduce Estonian classical music to concert organizers, managers and other key figures in London’s music scene.

"Not just musicians, but numerous other people representing Estonia's music industry took part, since such contact events are an ideal environment in which to search for and create contacts with music entrepreneurs and organizers of cultural events," Oitmaa explained.

Performing music by Estonian composers as part of the concert were Monika-Evelin Liiv (mezzo-soprano), Sten Lassmann (piano), Anna-Liisa Bezrodny (violin), Ulla Krigul (organ), the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Glasperlenspiel Sinfonietta (a small representation), soloist Riivo Kallasmaa (oboe) and conductor Andres Mustonen.
The introductory event was followed that same evening by the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir's concert at the LSO's St. Luke Church. The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir's performance was also the opening concert of London's A Capella Festival.

The event also saw the premiere of Great Britain's renown composer Roxanna Panufnik's new CD "Dance of Life - Tallinn Mass". The album was recorded by Warner Classics Music and the CD premiere was a collaborative effort between Warner Classics and the Estonian Embassy in London. Performing at the premiere were composer Roxanna Panufnik, Doris Kareva, Jürgen Rooste and soprano Patricia Rozario. The world premiere of the work "Dance of Life - Tallinn Mass" took place in the summer of 2011 at St. John's (Jaani) Church in Tallinn.