Petr Zuska’s ballet production

In September 2025, maestro Arvo Pärt, the most acclaimed composer of contemporary Estonian classical music, celebrates his 90th birthday. A Little Prayer is a homage to the composer’s oeuvre, which has deeply touched many human souls in the whole wide world.

A Little Prayer uses the means of expression of dance, music and drama, to bring to the audience timeless themes that resonate with Pärt’s soulful music – such as life and death, love, faith, truth, peace, and freedom. Under the direction of Petr Zuska unfolds the story of Woman and Man, where symbols and archetypes reveal even the worries and hopes hidden deep within their souls.

Czech choreographer and director Petr Zuska has presented the Vanemuine ballet audience with fresh interpretations of iconic works such as Romeo and Juliet (2018) and Swan Lake (2021), both reimagined in a neoclassical style rich in symbolism.

Arvo Pärt’s music has a solemn, timeless quality. Its spirituality, together with Petr Zuska’s dance poetics, conveys a prayer for humanity, justice, and goodness – which today’s world desperately needs.

Among Arvo Pärt’s compositions to feature in A Little Prayer are Fratres, Mein Weg, Kanon Pokajanen, Lamentate, Vater Unser, Estonian Lullaby, Für Alina, Spiegel im Spiegel, and many others.

Premiere: October 4, 2025 – Grand Building of the Vanemuine Theatre

Language: Estonian
Surtitles: Estonian, English

Author, Director and Choreographer Petr Zuska (Czech)
Music Director Risto Joost
Set Designer Daniel Dvořák (Czech)
Costume Designer Pavel Knolle (Czech)
Lighting Designer Margus Vaigur (Endla)

Cast Merlin Kivi (Ugala Theatre), Ingmar Jõela and Vanemuine Ballet Company,
Vanemuine Opera Chorus and soloists, Vanemuine Symphony Orchestra