The new Estonian work for choir and piano, featuring pianist Karolina Aavik and original lyrics by Jim Ashilevi, was released August 14 ahead of a performance at the opening of KESKUS International Estonian Centre in Toronto.
TALLINN – Friday, August 14, 2026 — Estonian composer Jonas Tarm today releases the world-premiere recording of Kauge kaja (“Distant Echo”), a new work for choir and piano performed by the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and pianist Karolina Aavik, conducted by Tarm. Setting original Estonian lyrics by writer Jim Ashilevi, the work explores themes of distance, home, memory, and belonging.
Six days after the recording’s release, on August 20, Tarm will conduct the Tallinn Chamber Choir in a performance of Kauge kaja at the ribbon-cutting event for KESKUS International Estonian Centre in Toronto. The performance continues a journey that has taken the work from New York to Tallinn and now to Toronto, connecting communities across the Estonian diaspora.
Kauge kaja was commissioned by the New York Estonian Mixed Choir and received its world premiere on February 21, 2026, at New York Estonian House during an Estonian Independence Day celebration, conducted by Tarm. The work was subsequently performed by the Tallinn Chamber Choir on April 26, 2026, at the Chamber Hall of the Estonian National Opera in Tallinn.
“Kauge kaja is a journey toward the feeling of home. That home might be a place, a person, a language, a landscape, or a memory. I hope the music brings listeners closer to something or someone they miss,” said Jonas Tarm.
Rooted in Estonia’s choral tradition, the 5:41 work unfolds through images of sea, wind, flight, moonlight, and return. Choir and piano act as equal dramatic partners, creating an intimate sound world that moves between distance and connection.
“Jonas Tarm had a very clear musical vision and communicated exactly what he wanted, which gave us the freedom as singers to focus fully on the music and its expression. For me, Kauge kaja is about a journey — both toward home and toward oneself — and about discovering where one truly belongs. The final words, ‘Wait for me just a little more, I’m already on my way,’ are especially meaningful to me: they carry both longing and hope,” said Eleri-Kristel Kuimet, a soprano in the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir.
The world-premiere recording was made on June 2, 2026, at Estonian Public Broadcasting (ERR), Studio 1, in Tallinn. Tarm produced and edited the session, with recording engineering by Tammo Sumera. Adam Miller mixed and John Webber mastered the recording at AIR Studios in London. The accompanying video was filmed by Frank Raudsepp.
Writer Jim Ashilevi’s original Estonian text lies at the heart of the work, tracing an emotional journey through separation, memory, and the possibility of return.
“My hope is that Kauge kaja leaves listeners with a sense that the people, places, and experiences that matter most to us never truly disappear. Even when we cannot return to them, their voices remain with us, offering comfort and connection throughout our lives. I hope the piece reminds us of what continues to carry us forward,” said Jim Ashilevi.
Kauge kaja was independently released August 14, 2026 on all major digital platforms. The release marks the first commercial recording of the complete work.
Listen / Watch:
https://jonastarm.com/kaugekaja
Press contact: Anneli Ivaste [email protected]
