BACH – Sounds of the Cosmos. For the first time in Tallinn – December 10, 2026

Few composers in history have been described with such reverence as Johann Sebastian Bach. His music has been called cosmic, eternal, and otherworldly. In 1977, three of his works were chosen for NASA’s Voyager Golden Record — launched into deep space as humanity’s musical message to intelligent life beyond Earth.

According to The New York Times, Bach ranks among the ten greatest composers of all time. His music continues to shape the sound of centuries, and the organ was his central instrument in what many consider a dialogue with the universe itself.

On December 10, OKONCERT brings BACH – Sounds of the Cosmos to Tallinn for the first time, with a programme centred on some of Bach’s most celebrated works.

Ilona Birgele is the Artistic Director of the Historic Organ Festival Land of Organs, Principal Organist of Riga’s St. Jacob's Cathedral, and a laureate of numerous international competitions and festivals. She regularly performs at the Riga Cathedral and tours across Europe, including Germany, Switzerland, Finland, the Netherlands, Israel, and beyond.

She will be joined on stage by

• Irina Vylegzhanina (cello)
• Virdzinija Laube (percussion)

The concert will take place under the vaults of Charles’s Church, home to Estonia’s largest church organ – a historic Walcker instrument.
Please note: all musicians will perform together on the gallery beside the organ. In the church’s vast acoustic space, close proximity and visual contact are essential for precise ensemble playing.

The historic interior, light and visual design will complement the performance while keeping the music at the centre of the evening.