On Saturday, 2 November, as part of Tartu 2024, the world premiere of the joint musical composition by acclaimed Japanese visual artist and composer Ryoji Ikeda and the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir will take place at the Estonian National Museum.
Ryoji Ikeda is a world-renowned Japanese composer and artist best known for his large-scale spatial installations and audiovisual performances. Ikeda has visited Estonia once before — in 2015–2016, his solo exhibition “supersymmetry” was displayed at the Kumu Art Museum. The artist was awarded the Collide@CERN 2014 Prix Ars Electronica for this work.
Previously, Ikeda has visited Estonia once - in 2015-2016. In 2014, the Kumu Art Museum hosted his personal exhibition "supersymmetry", for which the artist was also awarded the Collide@CERN Prix Ars Electronica award in 2014.
In 2024, Ikeda will return to Estonia more impressively than ever, with a strong focus on Estonian science and art. In addition to his solo exhibition, for which the artist has created two unique artworks specifically for the spatial architecture of the Estonian National Museum, the world premiere of Ikeda’s new choral music piece will take place on 2nd November. This piece has been created in collaboration with the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and chief conductor Tõnu Kaljuste.
For Ikeda, who has primarily focused on electronic music throughout his career, this will be his first time creating a work for the human voice. The choral music piece will be performed only once in the European Capital of Culture, Tartu.
The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir has become one of the most renowned Estonian music ensembles in the world. The choir’s repertoire ranges from Baroque music to contemporary works, embracing innovative musical events. For decades, they have been active on the international music scene, collaborating with esteemed conductors and orchestras at prestigious venues such as the Vienna Konzerthaus, Sydney Opera House, Royal Albert Hall in London and Carnegie Hall in New York, among others.
The concert will take place at the Estonian National Museum, starting at 8 PM.
Euroopa kultuuripealinn Tartu 2024 põhiprogrammi.