On Saturday, October 4, the dance, opera, and drama production premiered on the stage of Vanemuine Theatre’s Grand Building “Prayer. A Homage to Arvo Pärt“. Before the premiere, the theatre signed a cooperation agreement with Fenix Casino, the sponsor of Vanemuine Theatre, who will act as the annual supporter for the next three seasons.
Maestro Arvo Pärt, the most acclaimed composer of Estonian contemporary classical music, is set to celebrate his 90th birthday in September 2025. The production “Prayer” is a homage to the composer’s work, which has deeply touched many human souls worldwide. The production is brought to the audience by Czech director, artist, and choreographer Petr Zuska, whose previous productions at Vanemuine Theatre include “Romeo and Juliet” (2018) and “Swan Lake” (2021).
Before the performance, Vanemuine Theatre and Fenix Casino signed a cooperation agreement in the Grand Building’s foyer, symbolically signing a pair of ballet slippers. Fenix Casino will be the annual supporter of Vanemuine Theatre for the next three seasons, and this year they are the presenters of the production “Prayer. A Homage to Arvo Pärt”.
“Ballet is an expensive art, and support is always needed,” said Aivar Mäe, the director of Vanemuine Theatre, when signing the agreement. “Especially in today’s situation, where the cultural sector is struggling a bit financially. But Vanemuine is doing well!”
“Being able to contribute to Vanemuine’s activities is particularly close to our hearts and warms our souls. We support Estonian sports and culture because Estonia’s well-being is important to us,” said Violeta Anstal, CEO of Fenix Casino. “With Vanemuine, we feel a shared spirit – both we and they are taking bold steps to strive higher and further, just like the sports stars we support. Vanemuine also plays a special role in creating and defining Estonia’s story, and we hope that with our contribution, this shared story will continue and flourish even more brightly.”
In addition to supporting Vanemuine’s biggest and most important production of this season, “Prayer. A Homage to Arvo Pärt,” Fenix Casino also lent a hand to the theatre’s ballet troupe by helping to acquire Pilates machines to maintain the troupe’s physical condition. Fenix Casino will support Vanemuine Theatre for three consecutive seasons starting this year.