The Christian faith of Arvo Pärt - the Estonian composer exiled for his faith
By 
Derek Walker2025-09-11T14:44:00
Arvo Pärt, the world’s most-played living composer, is 90 today. Derek Walker explores how his deep Christian faith shaped his globally celebrated compositions - and why his influence endures across cultures and generations
It would be one thing to be the most-played living composer for a year but, remarkably, Arvo Pärt held that record continuously from 2012 to 2018, only dropping to second (behind John Williams) in 2019 before regaining the top spot again in 2022.
It is even more remarkable, considering that Williams’ fame has come about largely through his work on globally successful movies including Star Wars, E.T, Jurassic Park and the Harry Potter series.
This month, the classical music world is celebrating Pärt’s 90th birthday, not just at the BBC (as composer of the week, and at The Proms), but in cities across Europe.
One reason behind the Estonian composer’s success is his Orthodox faith, which comes through in the “signature blend of purity, stillness, and profound spirituality” of his instrumental pieces, and his choral work, which is based predominantly on Christian texts. Yet that faith has been severely tested over the years.
Related articles
-
InterviewsCory Asbury on finding forgiveness after his viral video controversy
Can anything good come from offending someone on the internet? Yes, says singer songwriter Cory Asbury. And he should know
-
InterviewsDr Selina Stone on Pentecostalism, spiritual abuse and her evolving faith
If white Christians are serious about building multiethnic churches, they need to start sharing power with Black and Brown people. That’s according to Dr Selina Stone who worries too much energy has been wasted by Black Christians on the issue. The Pentecostal theologian also speaks candidly with Sam Hailes about why studying theology at the highest level has deepened rather than dismantled her belief in God
-
Magazine FeaturesEd Sheeran reminds me of Jesus. Here’s why
Martin Saunders looks at lessons from the life and work of an unlikely pop icon
More from Opinion
-
OpinionIn public or online, women and girls should be safe from harm
The Angiolini Inquiry found that tackling violence against women and girls in public places was woefully inadequate. Yet three-quarters of girls have experienced harm online, too. With misogyny becoming mainstream through social media, Christian communities have a crucial role to play in educating young people in the digital age
-
OpinionMy song ‘Shine Jesus Shine’ has been voted the no.1 assembly banger. This is how it became an anthem
Worship leader Graham Kendrick reflects on how his 1987 song ‘Shine Jesus Shine’ has endured across generations, spreading from church halls to Glastonbury Festival and even being voted the nation’s favourite school hymn
-
OpinionNetflix’s House of Guinness turned my husband’s evangelist grandfather into a vindictive villain
Netflix’s House of Guinness may be gripping television, but it bears little resemblance to historical truth - particularly when it comes to evangelist Henry Grattan Guinness, writes his granddaughter-in-law
- Issues
- Topics A-Z
- Writers A-Z
- © 2025 Premier Christianity
Site powered by Webvision Cloud