Other events in Baltic States

Estonian Prime Minister Juri Ratas said on Monday when placing the cornerstone of the Arvo Part Center at Laulasmaa, a seaside area some 35 kilometers to the west of Tallinn, that it is an important moment for the Estonian music, culture and people because the composer has made Estonia bigger in the world.

"We each have some words in mind with which we would like to bless maestro Part with. Every one of those words has the potential of being a cornerstone, if we use a figure of speech borrowed from him," Ratas was quoted by spokespeople as saying.

According to the head of government, the building will reflect on the outside as well as inside the creation and the mind of the composer which are both inspiringly rich. He added that the center will be a personal achive as well as a place to study and perform.

Ratas also praised the architecture of the building, the author of which is the Spanish architecture firm Nieto Sobejano. "Arvo Part is an artist who to us is the symbol of a thoughtful and creative person. These values are reflected in the architectural solution of the center being built," he said.

The center is to be opened on Sept. 11, 2018, the 83rd birthday or Part.