Soundstreams: Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir: Arvo Pärt at 90. Arvo Pärt – Magnificat; Which was the Son of; The Deer’s Cry; Dopo la Vittoria; Kontakion, Ikos, Prayer After the Canon; Luciano Berio – Cries of London; Veljo Tormis – Piiskop ja pagan; Riho Esko Maimets – World premiere; Evelin Seppar – Iris; Philip Glass – Father Death Blues. Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Tõnu Kaljuste, Artistic Director. February 14, 2026, Yorkminster Park Baptist Church.
Toronto’s choral lovers were all of one mind and heart on Valentine’s Day, choosing to attend Soundstreams’s Arvo Pärt at 90, featuring the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir (EPCC) led by Tõnu Kaljuste.
A friend remarked that he had never seen Yorkminster Baptist Church so full. Even the available balconies were in use for seating.
Celebrating Pärt’s 90th
This marked the eighth appearance of the EPCC with Soundstreams. The first half was devoted entirely to the revered Estonian composer. The selection of works spanned roughly two decades of his choral output, from the late 1980s to the late aughts.
While not all the pieces represent his most popular works, the variety offered an engaging listening experience. The EPCC delivered a deeply assured and authoritative interpretation.
The 24 singers maintained admirable balance, particularly in passages where Pärt writes at extremes of register, with very high and very low voices and little in between. The bass section, in particular, provided a remarkable foundation, providing body and resonance.
The familiar Magnificat was perhaps the most recognisable work on the program. By contrast, Which Was the Son of… does not sound stereotypically Pärt. It is a piece driven by rhythmic declamation rather than suspended stillness. While musically interesting, it is rarely programmed, which I suspect, is due to the text, which simply recites the genealogy from the Gospel of Luke.
The Deer’s Cry was shaped with sensitivity, allowing the spaces between phrases to become as expressive as the sung lines. Dopo la vittoria revealed the joyful, almost playful side of Pärt. Its tintinnabuli textures ringing with bell-like clarity in the service of praise.
The half concluded with the sixth ode (Kontakion, Ikos, Prayer after the Canon) from Kanon Pokajanen. Kontakion began with a sense of mystery. The final Amen of the prayer was exquisitely placed and controlled with intention.
Across these works, the EPCC sang with drama to illuminate the liturgical texts, and with emotion to engage the spirit.
Contemplating Life
The second half was programmed with a stylistically varied music by other composers, and themes loosely based on the contemporary moment.
In Veljo Tormis’s Piiskop ja Pagan, the singers muffled their voices with their hands, a gesture that seemed more curious than meaningful. Similarly, in Luciano Berio’s Cries of London, the use of a megaphone, intended to evoke a street market atmosphere, added little to the sonic experience.
A highlight was the warmly received world premiere of Canadian-Estonian composer Riho Esko Maimets’s Inglihääl ja pasunad (Angel’s Voice and Trumpets). More dissonant than the other works on the program, it nevertheless offered clear motivic gestures that guided the listener through the piece.
The EPCC navigated its lines with assurance.
The concert concluded with Father Death Blues by Philip Glass, arranged by Kaljuste, setting text by Allen Ginsberg. Here, the choir’s rich sound evoked an almost American hymn-like atmosphere. Though the text deals with death, it offers comfort rather than despair, and the EPCC’s sensitivity gave the closing work a luminous quality.
Concertgoers certainly got their money’s worth with an expansive program, further rewarded by two beautiful encores.
Sneak Peak at the next Season
In a brief preview of what lies ahead, Artistic Director Lawrence Cherney noted Soundstreams’s strong association with both Pärt and Steve Reich, who will also be celebrating his 90th birthday.
Next season’s Steve Reich at 90! suggests that the great pioneers of minimalism are now entering their nonagenarian era. It’s another celebration not to be missed.
By Albert Wong for Ludwig-Van.
Are you looking to promote an event? Have a news tip? Need to know the best events happening this weekend? Send us a note.
#LUDWIGVAN
Get the daily arts news straight to your inbox.
Sign up for the Ludwig Van Toronto e-Blast! — local classical music and opera news straight to your inbox HERE.
- SCRUTINY | The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir Celebrates Arvo Pärt At 90 In Grand Style - February 17, 2026
- SCRUTINY | Fun At The Opera: The Canadian Opera Company’s Barber Of Seville - February 17, 2026
- SCRUTINY | Natasha Mumba’s Copperbelt At Soulpepper Brings The Complicated Story Of A Zambian Family To Life - February 11, 2026
