PROGRAM

Arvo Pärt Symphonies no 1, 2, 3 and 4

CONDUCTOR

Eva Ollikainen

The Estonian composer Arvo Pärt is among the most performed living composers in the world. The tranquil simplicity and almost mystical introspection characterizing many of his works seem to convey a unique message to contemporary audiences. The simplicity in Pärt's later works, often referred to as "holy minimalism," is, however, not as straightforward as it appears. It is the result of years of exploration and experimentation with theory, form, tonality and style.

In 2025, Arvo Pärt celebrates his ninetieth birthday and to mark the occasion, Iceland Symphony Orchestra performs all four of his symphonies in a single concert under the baton of Eva Ollikainen, the orchestra’s chief conductor. Additionally, the symphonies will be recorded for release by British record label Chandos. As the composer himself has stated, each of the four symphonies is like a world of its own. This concert presents a unique opportunity to listen to them in sequence — they serve as milestones in the long artistic and spiritual journey of the composer, with forty-five years separating the first from the fourth.