Film: Every Sound a Jewel

Free Event

Arvo Pärt‘s life has been full of ups and downs, with times of suffering as well as times of deep peace and joy. At hcmf// 2025, audiences have a unique opportunity to see the short documentary Every Sound a Jewel, which uses archival material – including rare photos and video footage – to provide an insight into Pärt’s life and creative development. Directed by Jaan Tootsen and Jaak Kilmi, the 20-minute film was commissioned by the Arvo Pärt Centre in 2018, and has until now been shown exclusively at the Centre in Estonia.  

Following the film, Managing Director Anu Kivilo will introduce the Arvo Pärt Centre, founded in Laulasmaa, Estonia in 2010 by the composer and his family with the aim of creating opportunities for the preservation and interpretation of Pärt’s creative legacy. As well as a music and information centre, it is a personal archive. This archive – containing information and documents related to Pärt’s work – is at the heart of the Centre, which also boasts a concert hall with a forest view for performances and recordings, and a library with Arvo and Nora Pärt’s personal books at its core.  

Today, the Arvo Pärt Centre’s programme of lectures, talks and educational activities are not limited to Pärt’s work but include the wider cultural and theoretical context – positioning the Centre as an open meeting place for all music lovers, musicians and researchers. 

Produced by hcmf// supported by Estonian Centre of Contemporary Music 

Photo: Arvo Pärt © Kaupo Kikkas