Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir Photo by Grant Lee
The prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York unveiled its 2025/2026 season program on February 12, placing a special focus on the works of Arvo Pärt, who is celebrating his 90th birthday this year. The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir (EPCC) is honored to be invited to perform at these grand celebrations with two concerts in October at Carnegie Hall, made possible in part by the support of the Estonian American National Council (EANC).
EANC’s Role and Mission
“For the second consecutive season, EANC is supporting EPCC’s performances in the United States. We still fondly recall and deeply appreciate last year’s North American tour, during which we got to know the outstanding team of EANC and its members. It is truly admirable to see how EANC promotes and preserves Estonian culture, language, and history in America with such pride and dedication. In some ways, the sense of Estonian identity and independence seems even stronger and more consciously acknowledged there than it sometimes is at home,” said the Managing Director of EPCC, Esper Linnamägi.
The mission of the Estonian American National Council (EANC) / Eesti Rahvuskomitee Ühendriikides (ERKÜ), is to promote, preserve, and introduce Estonian culture in America while advocating for the interests of Estonian Americans and a free, democratic Estonia. The Estonian American National Council, Inc., (EANC), is the nationally-elected central organization of Estonian Americans. Its mission is primarily funded through donations from Estonians in the United States.
Mai-Liis Bartling, President of EANC, explains: ” The Estonian American National Council’s (EANC’s) partnership with the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir allows us to introduce Estonia to the American audience through the awe-inspiring music of one of its greatest composers — Arvo Pärt. Pärt’s music seems to uniquely speak to today’s audiences, offering a deeply human and contemplative space as a real place of respite in precarious times. Arvo Pärt is a great cultural ambassador for Estonia; it is our hope that everyone who hears his music will remember and keep Estonia in their hearts.”
The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and the U.S. Audience
The cultural ties between the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and the United States date back to 1990, with regular tours taking place nearly every two to three years on both the East and West Coasts. At every concert, EPCC has introduced audiences to Estonian composers, cultivating an informed and devoted following with a strong interest in Estonian music.
“Reflecting on our partnership and the impact of the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir’s successful North American tour last year, the Estonian American National Council eagerly anticipates the return of this unforgettable choir, with maestros Tõnu Kaljuste and Paavo Järvi, to the United States this autumn. We take great pride and joy in helping to bring one of Estonia’s culture treasures and choral traditions to the stage of Carnegie Hall and to American audiences,” said Leelo Linask, the Executive Director of EANC.
Despite strong audience interest, bringing Estonia’s 27-member leading chamber choir to the U.S. is becoming an increasingly difficult financial challenge each year.
Esper Linnamägi explains: “The landscape for organizing such tours has changed significantly over the past decade. We are grateful to EANC for their support in helping bring EPCC to the U.S. We sincerely hope that the collaboration between EPCC and EANC will raise awareness of EANC’s work both in Estonia and in the U.S., ultimately serving the core mission of both organizations—promoting Estonian culture and introducing Estonia to the world.”
EPCC Performances with Arvo Pärt’s Program at Carnegie Hall in October 2025:
October 23 at 8:00 PM
Carnegie Hall, Stern Auditorium
Estonian Festival Orchestra
Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir
Midori, violin
Hans Christian Aavik, violin
Nico Muhly, piano
Conductor: Paavo Järvi
October 24 at 7:30 PM
Carnegie Hall, Zankel Hall
Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir
Tallinn Chamber Orchestra
Maria Listra, soprano
Conductor: Tõnu Kaljuste
More information:
EANC – www.estosite.org; erku@estosite.org
On the photo: EPCC and the Estonian community in New York, 2024, credit: Grant Lee
