The Estonian National Symphony Orchestra (ERSO) is turning 100. The orchestra's history begins in 1926: on 18 December, a string trio played in Estonian Radio's first broadcast. To mark the anniversary, ERSO is holding the festival “Sajandi pidu!” (Party of the Century) on 13–20 November, with nine concerts in six venues over eight days.
Opening concert on 13 November
The festival opens on 13 November at 19:00 at the Estonia Concert Hall with the programme “The Hundredth Symphony”. Neeme Järvi conducts. The programme includes Joseph Haydn's Symphony No. 100 and works by Eduard Tubin and Villem Kapp.
Anniversary concerts on 19 and 20 November
At the Estonia Concert Hall, chief conductor Olari Elts leads Lepo Sumera's Symphony No. 5, Richard Strauss's “Also sprach Zarathustra” and Benjamin Britten's overture “The Building of the House”. The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir also performs. On 19 November there is also a lunchtime concert of the same programme.
Concerts in smaller venues
- 14 November, MUBA hall: ERSO chamber musicians from different eras.
- 15 November, Kadriorg Palace: the orchestra's youngest and newest members perform.
- 16 November, ERR radio house: a studio concert in the orchestra's former home, with music from its first concerts almost a century ago.
- 17 November, Taru nature house: “Audiospa” — works inspired by nature and birdsong.
The book “ERSO sajand”
The book “ERSO sajand” (ERSO's Century) will be presented on 18 November at 17:30 at Rahva Raamat in the Viru Centre. It gives an overview of the orchestra's history through its chief conductors.
