80th anniversary celebration for Arvo Pärt in the Santa Maria del Pi basilica
The Estonian composer, the father of minimalist sacred music, will attend the first of three concerts featuring his work in the basilica on the 6th, 7th and 8th of Marc
The Palau de la Música Catalana has elected to dedicate a weekend in celebration of the 80th anniversary of Arvo Pärt, the most-performed contemporary living composer over the last few years and considered the father of minimalist sacred music. His music, written for choir, will feature in three tribute concerts to be held on the 6th, 7th and 8th of March in the Santa Maria del Pi basilica with the participation of the Orfeó Català and Latvian Radio choirs, the latter being one of the most internationally renowned choirs performing today.
The first concert will take place on Friday the 6th of March at 8.30 pm with Pärt in attendance. The Latvian Radio Choir, directed by Sigvards Klavia, will interpret pieces by the Estonian composer in addition to works by Bernat Vivancos in a unique, spiritual and minimalist musical dialogue. Vivancos is also programmed to attend the event.
On the 7th, also beginning at 8.30 pm, the same choir and director will offer an unabridged version of Pärt‘s St. John Passion, completing the programme with Solfeggio, also by Pärt, the world premiere of Lasciatemi morire, by Bernat Vivancos, and the Catalan premiere of The Fruit of Silence, a piece by composer Peteris Vasks based on a meditation of Teresa of Calcutta.
The series will close on the 8th , beginning on this occasion at 5.30 pm, with a concert featuring the Orfeó Català and Palau de la Música choirs, who will interpret a selection of Arvo Pärt’s most brilliant compositions for voice and organ.
80th anniversary of Arvo Pärt
When: the 6th, 7th and 8th of March. Friday and Saturday at 8 pm, and Sunday at 5.30 pm
Price: 20€ each concert. 45€ the three concerts
When: Santa Maria del Pi basilica
More information here