Estonian choir travels in harmony

So you've heard 58 Greene, Amazin' Blue, the Friars and the Harmonettes. Are you getting tired of the standard a cappella fare at the University? Are you looking for something new, something different, something from a country whose exact location you might not know, perhaps?

If you've answered yes to any of these questions, or even if you're just looking for something to do this Saturday night before the parties start, The University Musical Society just might have what you are looking for. Join them this Saturday evening as they welcome the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir to the St. Francis of Assisi Church.

The Rolling Estonians: The Estonia Philharmonic serenades Ann Arbor on Saturday.

You're hesitant, you say?

Well, don't be. This is not the Choir's first time in Ann Arbor. The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir's debut performance at the University was two years ago, and they were a smashing success.

Since turning professional in 1981, the Choir has toured extensively throughout Europe, as well as in Asia and the United States, giving more than 50 concerts annually.

PREVIEW
	Estonian Philharmonic Choir Saturday at 8 p.m. St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church

Furthermore, the Choir has won a number of medals in competition, including three gold medals for outstanding performance in the Women's, Men's and Mixed Choir categories in addition to the Grand Prix at the 1991 Takarazuka Chamber choir competition in Japan.

In other words, this is not just your average chamber choir.

The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir hails from Estonia, formerly a part of the Soviet Union, located in eastern Europe, just south of the Finnish Gulf.

This location defines the Estonian culture, marked by the Finno-Ugric language and the Western Christian religion.

The Choir will be performing a number of works by native composers in their program, which includes Bruckner's "Virga jesse floruit," "Chritus factus est" and "Ave Maria" Lindholm's "Libera me," Nystedt's "O crux" and "Miserere," and Tormis's "Livonian Heritage," "St. John's Day Songs" and "Curse Upon Iron."

Maestro Tonu Kaljuste

The pieces to be performed include both ancient Estonian folklore as well as church music from throughout the ages, and is sure to be an interesting array.

The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir is led by Maestro Tônu Kaljuste, who is the artistic director as well as chief conductor of the group.

Not even 50 years old, Kaljuste has guest conducted in a variety of venues throughout Europe as well as in Canada, and has also directed a number of choral seminars and workshops throughout the world.

He will be conducting two educational events at the University in relation to Saturday's performance. Both events will take place today at the Recital Hall in the School of Music and are open to the public.

Of late, Estonia has gained fame and prestige in the music industry as the country that gave the world contemporary composer Arvo Pärt.

At the University of Michigan, at least, the country can be known for its Philharmonic Chamber Choir, as well.

They might not be singing University a cappella favorites like "The Yellow and Blue" or that Friar great, "Another Load of Crap," but you never know; "Curse Upon Iron" and "Miserere" could soon be campus favorites, too.

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