The Choir I wanted to know more about
by HonestLee on 2/21/17Royce Hall - UCLA - Los AngelesI saw the ad that The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir was coming to UCLA and I bought tickets right away not knowing what the repertoire would be. At the concert I realized that all of the pieces would be of a sacred nature, which is fine with me, but somehow I really was hoping to hear some of the marvelous folk music from that country. Having visited Estonia I was moved by the music that I heard and realized how much importance music played in the daily life of these people. The sonorities emanating from this beautiful, completely a capella choir were magnificent. I especially loved the Arvo Part and the Rachmaninoff pieces. But, again, I would have LOVED hearing some of the magical harmonies and textures of their native folk music and it would have been so lovely if the choir had either been permitted or had the time to meet the audience in the lobby afterwards for conversation. This is what exchanging/presenting music in foreign countries is all about: the discourse of performers and audiences with music being the commonality between them. I really hope, as this group continues its tour, it will reach out more to provide this invaluable, beautiful experience for one country's representatives to have hands on time engaging more with the audience. I certainly hope that they plan on returning to LA sometime soon again.