Vanemuine Foyer Concert

May 3rd, 2025 at 19.00 in the Vanemuine Grand Building foyer
The May 3rd Vanemuine foyer concert will showcase two musical duos. Soprano Karmen Puis and pianist Jaanika Rand-Sirp will present compositions by Kurt Weill and George Gershwin, key figures of early 20th-century American stage music. In contrast, soprano Helen Nõmm and harpist Kai Visnapuu will delve into the works of Benjamin Britten, performing his arrangements of traditional English folk songs as well as excerpts from the song cycle “A Birthday Hansel”. Written in 1975, this piece was commissioned as a birthday tribute for Queen Elizabeth II’s mother, with lyrics drawn from the poetry of Robert Burns.
Program:
Works by Kurt Weill and George Gershwin
Benjamin Britten, “A Birthday Hansel”, op. 92 (excerpts)
English folk songs, arranged by Benjamin Britten
Performers Karmen Puis (soprano), Helen Nõmm (soprano), Kai Visnapuu (harp), Jaanika Rand-Sirp (piano, Estonian National Opera)