The Estonian National Symphony Orchestra (ERSO) is preparing to celebrate its 100‑year existence with an ambitious eight‑day “Century Party!” festival that will run from 13 November to 20 November. The schedule, crafted by the orchestra’s honorary chief conductor for life Neeme Järvi, promises a mix of landmark performances, intimate chamber concerts, a retrospective book launch, and a climactic double‑concert finale.
Opening Gala
The festival opens on 13 November at the Estonia Concert Hall. Järvi will lead the orchestra through a program that pays homage to the ensemble’s roots: Eduard Tubin’s Suite of Estonian Dances, Joseph Haydn’s “Militaarne” Symphony No. 100 in G‑major, and Villem Kapp’s Symphony No. 2 in C‑minor. The evening will also feature the orchestra’s first‑ever “Hundredth Symphony of Lake Neem”, a tribute that underscores ERSO’s longevity and its place in Estonia’s cultural landscape.
Chamber Highlights
Across the week, chamber musicians from ERSO will perform in venues that celebrate Estonia’s musical heritage. On 14 November, the MUBA main hall will host a concert featuring violinists Arvo Leibur and Maano Männi, clarinetist Toomas Vavilov, and oboist Nils Rõõmussaar. Their repertoire includes Bernhard Henrik Crusell’s Divertisement, Sergei Prokofjev’s Kvintett in g‑minor, and a clarinet‑focused set from Mozart.
The following day, Kadriorg Art Museum will stage “ERSO Soloists in Kadriorg XXIII”. The program highlights the orchestra’s newest talents—trumpeter Laur Keller, violinist Toomas Hendrik Ellervee, and cellist Andres Alexander Metspalu—alongside pianist Jaan Ots. Their setlist ranges from Giuseppe Torelli’s Sonata in D‑major to Shostakovich’s Piano Trio No. 1 in C‑minor.
On 16 November, the historic Estonian Radio Studio 1 will host a “Studio Concert” that takes the audience back to ERSO’s formative years. Conductor Olari Elts has assembled a program that recalls the repertoire of the orchestra’s first decades: Julius Fučík’s Concerto Piano Suite“Marinarella”, Friedrich Eberle’s Wagneriana, and Arvo Pärt’s Piccolo Concerto about BACH. This event is also a tribute to the studio’s role as a cradle of Estonian radio music, where young Neeme Järvi once rehearsed.
Nature‑Inspired Evening
The Taru Nature House will host a special concert on 17 November, featuring works that evoke the natural world. The program includes Jacob Ter Veldhuis’s The Garden of Love, Luciano Berio’s Opus Number Zoo, and Steve Reich’s Nagoya Marimbas and Vermont Counterpoint. This concert emphasizes the orchestra’s versatility and its willingness to explore contemporary compositions.
The Anniversary Book
On 18 November, the book “ERSO CENTURY” will be unveiled at Rahva Raamat in Viru Keskus. The volume chronicles the ensemble’s journey from a broadcasting ensemble to a world‑class orchestra, featuring essays, photographs, a discography, and a timeline of conductors. Joonas Hellerma will discuss the book’s creation with the editors, while ERSO musicians Sara D’Amico (harp) and Madis Vilgats (tuba) perform excerpts.
Symphonic Lunch & Finale
A “Symphonic Lunch” on 19 November at 1 pm introduces the grand anniversary concerts that will conclude the week. The program, conducted by Olari Elts, opens with Benjamin Britten’s Overture “The Building of the House” and moves to Richard Strauss’s Also sprach Zarathustra.
The festival’s climax will be a pair of celebratory concerts on 19 and 20 November at the Estonia Concert Hall. The first evening will feature Britten’s overture alongside Lepo Sumera’s Symphony No. 5 and Strauss’s famous symphonic poem. The second evening will repeat the program, ensuring that all attendees can witness the orchestra’s centennial achievements.
Conclusion
The ERSO “Century Party!” is not only a celebration of a century of music but also a testament to Estonia’s cultural resilience and artistic ambition. From grand orchestral works to intimate chamber pieces and nature‑themed modern compositions, the festival offers something for every listener. Tickets for the final concerts are already sold out, but earlier events remain available, ensuring that this milestone moment in Estonian music history will be accessible to all.
Tickets for ERSO Century Party! are available on piletikeskus.
