Estonian Diaspora Day Celebration in Connecticut: Potluck & A Movie

The Connecticut Estonian Society hosts its annual Diaspora Estonia Day with a potluck-style dinner, a fun afternoon with friends old and new, and a wonderful documentary about a wonderful Estonian. Join us on Saturday, November 8^th at 1:30 p.m. at the Romanian Church *formerly Latvian Church) in Manchester, CT

We will join in the global festivities this year to celebrate the 90^th birthday of beloved Estonian composer Arvo Pärt.

As in years past, CES will provide roast pork for the potluck meal and asks guests to bring side dishes, desserts, and BYOB.  Please email Leena Kangro at leenakangro@gmail.com to let her know what you can bring.  

The donation will be $15 for adults, while students/children are free.  The program begins at 2:00 p.m.  Program details are below.

 

PROGRAM

We will watch a documentary about Arvo Pärt entitled Arvo Pärt: Even if I Lose Everything, which is an intimate portrait that explores the man behind the music, showing his many sides as he navigates the demands of his legacy.  Once known as the avant-garde firebrand driven from his country by Soviet censorship for his radically prayerful melodies, Even If I Lose Everything centers on the gentler rhythms of Pärt’s days back home on the eve of his 80th birthday in 2015. 

Last week was a time of pride and excitement for all Estonians with two highly-anticipated concerts at Carnegie Hall in New York City on October 23^rd and October 24^th in the presence of H.E. Mr. Alar Karis, President of the Republic of Estonia, and Mrs. Sirje Karis.  This two-day celebration of Estonian composer Arvo Pärt brought together the Grammy award-winning Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir under the direction of Maestro Tõnu Kaljuste, Estonian Festival Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Paavo Järvi, world-renowned violinist Midori, violinist Hans Christian Aavik, pianist Nico Muhly, the Trinity Choir, and the Tallinn Chamber Orchestra.  These performances united audiences from across the United States and beyond in tribute to one of the most influential living composers in the realm of sacred and minimalist music. The New York Times gave very positive reviews of the concerts, stating “Arvo Pärt Gets the 90^th Birthday Concert He Deserves”.

You can learn more about Arvo Pärt’s life and music from here (provided by the Arvo Pärt Centre in Estonia, which combines his personal archive along with an information and music center), along with interesting insights about him from Carnegie Hall

Meeldetuletus – Reminder

If you, or someone you know, are not yet a member of the Connecticut Estonian Society, please join us!  It’s a great opportunity to join a close-knit community of Estonian Americans and Estophiles of all ages from Connecticut and surrounding states to celebrate and preserve our Estonian culture and traditions.  To become a member, or if you are already a member and would like to easily pay your dues, you can learn more at our website.  Your support is vital for us to provide important programming and maintain our “Eesti Maa” (Connecticut Estonian Grounds) in Andover, CT, our beautiful 12-acre property where we have gathered for 60 years.