ESTPure Gold
Bringing a bright note to dark November days, conductor Neeme Järvi presents a programme of radiant autumn classics. The concert features the Shakespeare Suite by German composer Engelbert Humperdinck. Continuing his exploration of lesser-known masterpieces, Järvi will also conduct Symphony No. 10 by Joachim Raff, part of a series entitled Autumn. Though Raff was amongst the most celebrated German composers of the late 19th century, his works remain largely underappreciated today. His catalogue includes 11 symphonies in total. The programme also includes Joseph Haydn’s Piano Concerto in D major, performed by pianist Jaan Ots.
In February, the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra (ERSO) will welcome British conductor Jonathan Bloxham for a performance of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, Eroica—a revolutionary work that marked a turning point in orchestral music, echoing the ideals of the French Revolution. ERSO’s principal clarinetist Soo-Young Lee will join acclaimed German violist Nils Mönkemeyer to perform Max Bruch’s Concerto for Clarinet, Viola and Orchestra. The concert opens with the Faust Overture by 19th-century German composer Emilie Mayer.
In March, violinist David Grimal will join ERSO as both soloist and conductor, meaning no separate conductor will be on stage for this performance. The programme features Johannes Brahms’ Violin Concerto, a work dedicated to his close friend and one of the 19th century’s most renowned violinists, Hungarian Joseph Joachim. This concerto is considered one of the four great German violin concertos. The second half of the evening will showcase Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8—the shortest and most Haydn-like of his symphonies, filled with unexpected musical wit and lighthearted charm.
Italian conductor Rinaldo Alessandrini will lead a programme dedicated to the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. It includes the cantata Geist und Seele wird verwirret (Spirit and Soul Shall Be Confounded), composed in Leipzig, and featuring countertenor Martin Karu, whose rising career is gaining recognition both nationally and internationally. The programme also features symphonic or instrumental overtures from the cantatas Ich liebe den Höchsten von ganzem Gemüte, Wir danken dir, Gott, wir danken dir, and Falsche Welt, dir trau ich nicht. Additionally, the concert will include Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 3.