The unfamiliar from the familiar, and vice versa

Two ensembles appearing in Japan recently served as intriguing examples of a judicious mix of the familiar and the unfamiliar.

The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and Tallinn Chamber Orchestra was a familiar type of ensemble from an unfamiliar place. The Vienna Philharmonic's Ensemble 11 was an unfamiliar type of ensemble from a familiar place. Both performances vindicated the familiar wisdom. It's nice to know that the world we know is still capable of surprising us.

Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and Tallinn Chamber Orchestra Sept. 30, Tanu Kaljuste conducting in Takemitsu Memorial Hall -- "Trisagion" (Arvo Part, born in Paide, Estonia, in 1935), "Magnificat" (Johann Sebastian Bach, 1685-1750); "Te Deum" (Part)