Estonian culture is diverse and rich. Whatever the context — be it music, theater, fashion, or sport — the Estonians have applied their austere northern perspective with spectacular and often haunting results. This curious magic manifests itself in everything from the sparse minimalist style of Arvo Pärt, perhaps the most revered living classical music composer, to the heroics of Olympic gold medalists like cross-country skier Kristina Šmigun-Vähi or discus thrower Gerd Kanter, or the appetizing New Nordic Cuisine dishes of beetroot, white fish, and potatoes that bubble and simmer in the country’s trendiest cafe kitchens.