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If you love choral music, you know that Paul Hillier connotes true excellence in this genre. As Artistic Director and Principal Conductor for the award-winning Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir (EPCC), Hillier has taken the group to new heights. A New Joy: Orthodox Christmas presents lovingly-crafted and superbly-executed music from Estonia, Russia, and the Ukraine. Although much of the recording is unfamiliar to me, it is all richly layered and completely accessible. This is superb choral music for the holidays.

A New Joy smartly opens with the haunting sound of bell-ringing at the Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky, before plunging into a series of vibrant a cappella pleasures. The songs are Slavik, but warm and never harsh; though not in English, these lyrics speak a universal language shining with faith, resilience, and intensity. The very substantial liner notes are top notch. Technically speaking, the choral presentation appears flawless without being mechanical; the sound is emotive and heartfelt. Music like this brings tears to my eyes and comfort to my soul.

The album presents the first recording of Georgiy Izvekov's Christ Is Born canon, and those cool (but haunting) bells are back to start the cycle. Previously unable to present his works because of religious oppression, Izvekov's lovely canon occupies more than 17 minutes (about 30% of the CD's length), and the listeners' time is fully rewarded. The harmonies on Ode #3 are spectacular, and I could go on and on.

Sophisticated and polished, yet embraceable by a broad audience, EPCC's A New Joy will bring intense joy to classical choral addicts like me. More! More! More!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2007)

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From the liner notes:

This CD, which includes several first recordings of music by Kastalsky, Izvekov & others, draws upon the rich treasury of 19th- & 20th-century liturgical hymnography and carols of the Nativity Feast, which were suppressed during the tragic events of the 20th century and which have only come to light in recent years.

Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir:

Soprano:
Kaia Urb
Vilve Hepner
Kristiina Under
Annika Ilus
Eha Parg
Hele-Mall Leego
Hele-Mail Poobus

Alto:
Iris Oja
Karin Salumae
Marianne Tomikas
Tiiu Otsing
Agnes Toomla
Juta Roopalu-Malk

Tenor:
Martin Lume
Toomas Tohert
Arvo Aun
Raul Mikson
Kaido Janke
Tiit Kogerman

Bass:
Aarne Talvik
Tonu Tormis
Kalev Keeroja
Mart Krell
Allan Vurma
Rainer Vilu
Ranno-Eduard Linde
Uku Joller
Vladimir Miller

Paul Hillier:

His musical interests range from medieval to contemporary music and include singing, conducting, and writing... In September 2001, he was named Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, with which he launched a cycle of recordings exploring the choral tradition of the Baltic Sea countries.


From the Website:

History

ESTONIAN PHILHARMONIC CHAMBER CHOIR (EPCC) has become the best-known Estonian classical music performer and one of the best choirs in the world. Since 2001 the choir's chief conductor and artistic director has been Paul Hillier. The renown British musician has widened the choir's perspectives and continued their success both in the recording field and as a performing group at prominent concert venues and festivals.

EPCC was founded in 1981 by Tõnu Kaljuste, who acted as artistic director and chief conductor for 20 years. It was first formed as an amateur chamber choir Ellerhein, founded by Tõnu Kaljuste's father Heino Kaljuste (1925-1989) on the 15th anniversary of the children's choir Ellerhein in 1966. In 1971 Tõnu Kaljuste became the conductor of the chamber choir Ellerhein, on the basis of which he formed the full-time professional EPCC.

At the 1991 Takarazuka Chamber Choir Competition in Japan the choir won three gold medals and was awarded the Grand Prix. Since then the choir has not been envolved in any competition, the main activities having been concerts at home and abroad, and recordings under different recording and broadcasting companies.

EPCC gives 60-70 concerts per season and tours regularly in Europe, the United States, Canada and Japan. Their repertoire ranges from Gregorian chants to late baroque and 20th century music. Works by Bach and contemporary composers, as well as Estonian choral music have a great importance in choir's programs. Music by Arvo Pärt and Veljo Tormis has shared a very special place in the EPCC's repertoire for many years.

Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir

A New Joy: Orthodox Christmas

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