New York, March 1, 2015 – On Saturday, March 21 at 7:30 pm, the Stonewall Chorale, the USA’s first gay and lesbian chorus, will present “From Estonia with Love.” The concert features works by two of Estonia’s most esteemed composers, Arvo Pärt and Tõnu Kõrvits, and will be performed at the Church of the Holy Apostles, 9th Ave at 28th St. in NYC.
Featured on the program is Arvo Pärt’s Berliner Messe (Berlin Mass), and the NYC premiere of the full version of Tõnu Kõrvits’ Kreek’s Notebook, an imaginative work that uses early Estonian folk songs and hymns. Mr. Kõrvits is coming in from Estonia for the concert and will give a pre-show talk at 7:00 pm.
Kõrvits has given these folksongs a fresh spin, and the Chorale is excited to present his elegant, eight movement work with full string orchestra. Coupled with Pärt’s towering Berlin Mass, this program perfectly aligns with the Chorale’s mission of presenting choral classics as well as avantgarde and experimental pieces from emerging composers.
In preparation for the program, the Chorale has been working with Estonian native speakers and meeting with local Estonian residents to present a well-informed and authentic performance. “We’re very excited to bring this music to New York audiences and to create new bridges of friendship with the Estonian community,” said Cynthia Powell, the Chorale’s artistic director and conductor.
About The Stonewall Chorale
Based in New York City, the Stonewall Chorale is the USA’s first gay and lesbian chorus. The Chorale’s mission is to enrich people’s lives through learning and performing beautiful choral music, and to nurture and celebrate the GLBT community.
