Divine Art is thrilled to announce two nominations in the 2027 International Classical Music Awards!
Eduard Tubin: Requiem for Fallen Soldiers
2027 ICMA Choral Nominee
Estonian National Male Choir
Mikk Üleoja, conductor
Presenting Eduard Tubin’s powerful Requiem for Fallen Soldiers and other major choral works by the composer, performed by the Estonian National Male Choir, conductor Mikk Üleoja. The soloists are Iris Oja (mezzo-soprano), Indrek Vau (trumpet), Madis Metsamart and Anto Õnnis (percussion), and Piret Aidulo (organ).
“Throughout, Üleoja and his forces, especially the excellent Estonian National Male Choir, reveal the message of Tubin’s settings with skill and commitment. The CD is an excellent introduction for anyone wanting to get to know this composer’s work.” —Philip Reed, Choir & Organ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Between the intimacy of the miniatures and the solemnity of the Requiem, the programme reveals the expressive breadth of Tubin’s writing and his affinity with Estonian poetry. The sung word thus acquires a power that encompasses both the most inward contemplation and the denunciation of human devastation.” —Josep Bosch, Sonograma
“Requiem for Fallen Soldiers…is a piece of stature and eloquence. The Estonian choir is excellent under conductor Mikk Üleoja, the acoustic well chosen for these forces.” —George Hall, BBC Music
“With this new production, the choir itself now presents an eloquent testament to Tubin’s oeuvre…The Requiem, in particular, speaks volumes not only about Tubin’s artistry but also about the interpretive strength of the Estonian National Male Choir. Already at the top of their game vocally and harmonically, the ensemble knows how to illuminate this composition in all its dimensions. In doing so, the solemn and the honoring always take precedence over the heroic, and subtlety and sensitivity always prevail over superficial reverence.” —Guy Engels, Pizzicato
Kapustin: Between The Lines
2027 ICMA Solo Instrumental Nominee
Ophelia Gordon
British pianist Ophelia Gordon makes a striking debut with this album of works by Nikolai Kapustin, the Soviet composer whose music fuses the harmonic language and rhythmic drive of jazz with the formal precision of classical composition. Though Kapustin’s music sounds improvised, every note is meticulously written – jazz in spirit, but classical in structure.
“Ophelia Gordon plays…with admirable ease: the rhythmic accuracy and richness of color are captivating…a truly great album and an important one in the discography.” —Rémy Franck, Pizzicato
“Kapustin’s thrilling, toe-tapping piano jazz is performed with virtuosic daring.” —Apple Music
“Gordon’s prowess comes into…focus…an encapsulation with few peers…’Manteca’ Paraphrase…exudes a panache of which Dizzy Gillespie would surely have approved…her belief in this music is its own justification and makes this recital well worth investigating.” —Richard Whitehouse, Gramophone
“She really knows how to make Kapustin’s melodic lines and rhythms swing, but is equally sensitive to the reflective sultry sides of his musical expression…there is much to enjoy on this vividly recorded disc, the ultimate highlight being the exhilarating Paraphrase on Dizzy Gillespie’s ‘Manteca’ for two pianos, where Gordon has recorded both piano parts to brilliant effect.” —Erik Levi, BBC Music
“As debuts go, Kapustin: Between the Lines is, frankly, stunning. Hearing her confidently roll through one challenging setting after another as if it’s the easiest thing in the world makes for an exhilarating ride.” —Ron Schepper, Textura