Sinfonietta Riga Opens 21st Season With Estonian Conductor Olari Elts
Conductor Olari Elts took the podium at the Great Hall of the University of Latvia on October 2 to open the 21st concert season of the state chamber orchestra Sinfonietta Rīga. The opening night program paired Ludwig van Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony with works by contemporary Baltic and international composers, including Estonian composer Erkki-Sven Tüür’s Phantasm and German-based South Korean composer Unsuk Chin’s Immediately with force. The concert also featured Latvian composer Pēteris Vasks’ violin and string orchestra concerto Far Light (High beam), marking his anniversary year, with Finnish violinist Elina Vähälä performing as soloist. Elts described his new leadership role as a revolutionary step for the ensemble. “I am happy and thrilled to invite you for the first time as the artistic director of the chamber orchestra Sinfonietta Rīga,” Elts told Lasi.lv. “It will be a revolution!”
The appointment marks a return to Latvia for Elts, who served as artistic director and chief conductor of the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra from 2001 to 2006. Since 2020, he has served as artistic director and chief conductor of the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, a position he will hold through its centenary season in 2026 and 2027. Diriģenta Normunda Šnē radītais kamerorķestris “Sinfonietta Rīga” savā 21. sezonā nonācis igauņu diriģenta Olari Eltsa rokās. Elts noted in an interview that balancing leadership roles between two neighboring countries requires clear artistic distinction. “Working with a chamber orchestra is completely different!” Elts said. “It wouldn’t be logical to take on the leadership of another symphony orchestra in a neighboring country.”
Elts added that Latvia feels like home due to shared musical instincts. He also emphasized the cultural responsibility of Baltic orchestras to champion their own national music repertoire both locally and internationally. The concert was broadcast live by Latvijas Radio 3 Klasika.
Frequently Asked Questions About Olari Elts and Sinfonietta Rīga
What awards has Olari Elts received for his recordings?
Olari Elts and Radio France received a 2024 Gramophone Award in the Contemporary category for their recording of Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho’s work True Fire.
What prior leadership roles has Olari Elts held?
From 2007 to 2020, Elts served as principal guest conductor of the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, and he held the same role with the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra from 2011 to 2014. He has also served as artistic advisor for the Kymi Sinfonietta in Finland and the Orchestre National de Bretagne in France, as well as principal guest conductor of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.
If someone writes like that, it imposes a certain responsibility to fulfill those expectations.
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