The Estonian-language work for choir and piano, featuring pianist Karolina Aavik and original lyrics by Jim Ashilevi, arrives August 14 following performances in New York and Tallinn.
NEW YORK / TALLINN – Wednesday, July 29, 2026 — Estonian composer Jonas Tarm will release “Kauge kaja” (“Distant Echo”), a new work for choir and piano, on August 14, 2026. Composed and conducted by Tarm, the world-premiere recording features the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and pianist Karolina Aavik, setting an original Estonian lyrics by writer Jim Ashilevi.
On August 20, six days after the recording's release, Tarm will conduct the Tallinn Chamber Choir at the ribbon-cutting event for KESKUS International Estonian Centre in Toronto. The work 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. It 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.” – Jonas Tarm
“Kauge kaja” follows a journey with images of sea, wind, flight, moonlight and return. Rooted in Estonia's choral tradition, the 5:41 work unfolds through an intimate, journey-like sound world in which choir and piano act as equal dramatic partners.
The 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 the recording and John Webber mastered it at AIR Studios in London. Tarm also created the cover photography and design; Frank Raudsepp served as videographer.
“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.” – Jim Ashilevi
The themes of distance, home, and belonging also reflect the transatlantic perspective of Estonian-born composer Jonas Tarm. Based between New York and Tallinn, his music has been commissioned and performed by leading orchestras and ensembles across Europe and North America. Tarm’s music has received numerous honors, including the ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Award, the Black Nights Film Festival Music Meets Film Award, and the National YoungArts Award.
“Kauge kaja” will be independently released August 14, 2026 on all major digital platforms. The release marks the first commercial recording of the complete work.
Pre-save “Kauge kaja” on streaming platforms through this link: https://www.jonastarm.com/kaugekaja
