PRESENTATION OF THE ANNIVERSARY BOOK “ERSO – 100 AASTAT MUUSIKAT”. ERSO 100 festival

The event is part of the celebratory programme of the ERSO 100 festival!

The anniversary book “ERSO – 100 aastat muusikat” offers an overview of the orchestra’s artistic development across different eras. Regardless of political regimes and economic circumstances, the ensemble, having evolved from a broadcasting orchestra into the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, has remained committed to the highest musical ideals and to meeting the expectations of its audiences.

The book tells ERSO’s story through the artistic tenures of its chief conductors: its growth from a trio into an orchestra and its flourishing under Olav Roots (1926–1944); the post-war years under Paul Karp (1944–1950) and Roman Matsov (1950–1963); the young Neeme Järvi as chief conductor (1963–1979); Peeter Lilje’s decade (1980–1990); ERSO’s creative years with Leo Krämer (1991–1993), Arvo Volmer (1993–2001) and Nikolai Alexeev (2001–2010); Neeme Järvi’s return (2010–2020); and the orchestra’s current era under Olari Elts, which began in 2020.

The book also features colourful and heartfelt recollections by orchestra musicians, an extensive selection of photographs, a discography, a timeline of events and a list of musicians spanning the decades. This substantial volume offers rewarding reading for music and history enthusiasts, as well as ERSO’s broad audience.

The authors are Anu Kõlar, Maia Lilje, Tiina Mattisen, Äli-Ann Klooren, Liisi Laanemets, Kersti Inno, Aare Tool and Anita Maasalu. Edited by Anu Kõlar, Anita Maasalu and Kai Kutman.