A collection of vocal music celebrates the vibrant and varied music of the Baltic states: Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Renowned senior composers including the Estoniam Arvo Pärt and the Latvian Pēteris Vasks are presented alongside such younger figures as the Lithuanian Juste Janulyte. A range of musical styles are on show, although the influence of traditional Baltic music is a recurrent theme. The SWR Vokalensemble is conducted by Marcus Creed.
Featuring
Marcus Creed
Dorothea Jakob
Dorothea Winkel
Johanna Zimmer
Wiebke Wighardt
Daniel Schreiber
Johannes Kaleschke
Julius Pfeifer
Rüdiger Linn
Stefanie Blumenschein
Hubert Mayer
Mikhail Nikiforov
Séverine Ballon
SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart
Maija Einfelde
Rytis Mažulis
Pēteris Vasks
Veljo Tormis
Andris Dzenītis
Justė Janulytė
Arvo Pärt
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Performer Biography
Marcus Creed, the conductor, began his studies at King's College in Cambridge, where he sang in the famous Choir of King's College Cathedral.
Historical Context
While Baltic folk music dates back to pagan times, their art music tradition is relatively recent, spanning only about a hundred years.
Performer Biography
The SWR Vokalensemble, the radio choir of SWR, is considered one of the top international professional choirs and has been dedicated to vocal music for seventy years.
Performer Biography
Since 1946, the SWR Vokalensemble has premiered over 250 new choral works, often making the "impossible possible and the unthinkable thinkable."
Composer's Artistic Vision
Despite their individual differences, many Baltic composers share a solemn tone in their music, and some employ a minimalist style rooted in ancient runes and traditional songs of the Baltic Sea region.
Performer Biography
Marcus Creed, the artistic director of the SWR Vokalensemble since 2003, has led the ensemble to win the Echo Klassik award four times for its interpretations.
