To mark the 90th anniversary of Arvo Pärt and the 95th anniversary of Veljo Tormis, whose anniversaries are celebrated worldwide, an evening of Estonian music took place on the stage of the Astana Opera. The concert brought together works by two great masters of the 20th and 21st centuries. The musical evening was held in honor of the State Visit of the President of Estonia, Alar Karis, to Kazakhstan.

"This evening we celebrate the friendship between Estonia and Kazakhstan through music. Music is an integral part of Estonian culture and our identity. I, my wife Sirje, and the entire delegation were surrounded by a truly warm welcome. This will remain in our memory for a long time. Every wonderful impression is a reason for gratitude. Therefore, I express my sincere gratitude to President Tokayev for such a warm welcome. On behalf of our entire delegation, I thank all Kazakhstani colleagues and government representatives who participated in the organization of this visit," said Alar Karis.

The Head of the Estonian Republic mentioned that an Estonian company had donated a piano to one of the schools in the city of Arkalyk.

"Very soon, approximately 670 kilometers from the capital, an instrument created according to almost two hundred years of Estonian production tradition will sound. This is a symbol that the melody of friendship between Estonia and Kazakhstan sounds not only in Astana, but also beyond," Mr. Karis noted.

The Minister of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan warmly welcomed the honored guests and Estonian musicians.

"Tonight is a special event that unites different cultures and musical traditions. For music, as for art in general, there are no boundaries: it connects hearts and conveys feelings that are understandable to everyone, regardless of nationality and origin. I believe that the performance of Estonian musicians on the stage of the Astana Opera is a continuation of a cultural dialogue based on mutual respect and inspiration," emphasized Aida Balayeva.

That evening, the audience heard works by Arvo Pärt and Veljo Tormis performed by the Vanalinna Hariduskolleegium string orchestra and the virtuoso violinist Hans Christian Aavik, one of the most prominent young musicians in Scandinavia.

Rasmus Puur, composer, conductor, orchestrator, graduate of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theater, author of a symphony, two operas, cantatas, and numerous orchestral and chamber parts, shone at the conductor's stand.