Making a rare trip to Britain and a welcome return to the Festival, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir presents music from their homeland and from Russia, influenced by the profound passions of Orthodox chant.

Rachmaninov’s All-Night Vigil, also known simply as his ‘Vespers’, is the composer’s vivid reinterpretation of a traditional Orthodox service celebrating the eternal light of Christ. This hugely expressive, intensely moving music is considered one of his finest achievements.

In the first half, the Choir performs a selection of shorter pieces: the distinctively clear, ringing Two Slavonic Psalms by Arvo Pärt; Schnittke’s richly scored Three Sacred Hymns; and three lush, Romantic works by Estonian composer Cyrillus Kreek.

‘Pure and impassioned, astounding choral artists’
The Wall Street Journal