Arvo Pärt's Music Resonated in Ancient Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens

The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and the Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, led by conductor Tõnu Kaljuste, gave a concert on June 15 at the ancient Odeon of Herodes Atticus, located on the southern slope of the Acropolis, as part of the Athens Epidaurus Festival. The 2,000-year-old venue hosted an audience of 5,000 for a program featuring works by Arvo Pärt: "Für Lennart in memoriam" for strings; "L'abbé Agathon" for soprano and string orchestra; "Stabat Mater" for mixed choir and string orchestra; "Magnificat" for mixed choir; and "Te Deum" for three choirs, piano, string orchestra, and tape (wind harp). Soloists were Maria Listra (soprano), Danila Frantou (countertenor), and Toomas Tohert (tenor).

Tõnu Kaljuste described the concert as special. As the final notes faded into the Mediterranean night, he felt that an almost imperceptibly thin layer of Estonian culture had been left upon the stones that have endured for millennia.

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus dates back to the 2nd century AD and is one of the oldest and best-preserved ancient concert and performance venues in the world. It offers a unique opportunity to experience music and theater in the same setting where performances were enjoyed during Roman times. Founded in 1955, the Athens Epidaurus Festival is Greece's leading summer festival of theater and music, presenting ancient drama, contemporary theater, dance, opera, and concerts.