In Rakvere, a cornerstone was laid for a multifunctional music hall, which will be named the Ukuaru Music Hall after Arvo Pärt’s piece Ukuaru Waltz.
The music hall, initiated by the city of Rakvere, features a design by architects Kristiina Aasvee, Kristiina Hussar and Anne Kose. It respectfully restores a church building originally designed by the renowned Estonian architect Alar Kotli, including previously planned but unrealised spires.
During the cornerstone ceremony, Rakvere Mayor Triin Varek said, “The building, originally designed by Alar Kotli, has had a complex history, undergoing an extraordinary metamorphosis from a church to a gymnasium, and now to a cultural hub.” The music hall will host a range of events, from classical to popular music concerts, as well as seminars and art exhibitions. It will also serve as a practice space for Rakvere’s young and old dancers, singers and musicians.
The city of Rakvere has dedicated the Ukuaru Music Hall to Arvo Pärt, whose musical studies began at Rakvere’s music school. “Choosing the name ‘Ukuaru’ underscores our connection to our roots and identity and helps preserve the bond between Arvo Pärt and the city of Rakvere for many generations,” said Varek.
Representing Arvo Pärt’s family and the Arvo Pärt Centre, Michael Pärt participated in the ceremony, placing a copy of the manuscript of Pärt’s Ukuaru Waltz into the cornerstone’s time capsule.
“It is important for us that the music hall becomes a place that brings together musicians, singers and other music enthusiasts, and that the name reflects this. My father’s piece Ukuaru Waltz, from the film Ukuaru by Leida Laius, has almost attained the status of folk music. It is played at gatherings, weddings and Independence Day concerts. A seemingly simple folk tune has evolved into a music-transcending symbol, embodying love, unity and a sense of home. Just as Ukuaru Waltz has brought people together, we sincerely believe that the Ukuaru Music Hall in Rakvere will share a similar fate,” said Michael Pärt during the ceremony.
The construction of the Ukuaru Music Hall, a cultural building of national importance, is funded by the Estonian Cultural Endowment.