Spring in Tallinn: sexy swagger and emotional devastation

By Simon Cummings, 19 April 2016

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Reviewed at Estonia Concert Hall, Tallinn on 15 April 2016

Tally, Erosion

Vihmand , Mari, Floreo

Kõrvits , Maria, falling up into the bowl of sky

Krigul, Ülo , New work for symphony orchestra and vocal ensembl (Première)

Sumera, Symphony No 6

Leho Karin, Cello

Estonian Voices

Estonian National Symphony Orchestra

Anu Tali, Conductor

Tammo Sumera, Electronics

Oceanic swells, orchestral tangles: Baltic & Estonian Music Days

Lawrence Dunn, 28th April

The Estonian National Symphony Orchestra presents contemporary works, including three world premieres, by composers from across the Baltics.

***11

Estonian National Symphony Orchestra impresses at the Perth Festival

David Smythe, 20th May

Intense Pärt, vivid Rachmaninov with Barry Douglas and dramatic Dvořák on the most northerly point on the orchestra's UK tour.

****1

A subdued finale for Dvořák's Prague

Frank Kuznik, 23rd September

Nicola Benedetti provides all the fireworks in an understated outing by Neeme Järvi and the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra.

***11

Shadows and energy, ghosts and pomposity

Simon Cummings, 7th April

The Estonian National Symphony Orchestra under Kristiina Poska strain, discharge energy and ultimately make magic at the annual Estonian Music Days.

****1

Estonian Music Days launches in Tallinn

Gavin Dixon, 10th April

The Tallinn National Symphony Orchestra Easter concert represents new music patronage on a grand scale. Six up-and-coming Estonian composers are commissioned write a substantial work for orchestra, and an entire concert is given over to their first performances.

Joseph Calleja with the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra in Helsinki

Bèla Bianca, 8th October

Tenor Joseph Calleja, conductor Giuliano Carella and the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra presented an interesting choice of repertoire on Monday. The composers were celebrated Italian and French masters of opera, and the programme alternated between overtures for orchestra and arias starring Calleja.

***11

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Simon Cummings

Simon Cummings is a composer, writer and researcher based in the Cotswolds. He composes instrumental and electronic music, exploring aspects of algorithmic composition, and has recently completed a Ph.D. in composition at the Birmingham Conservatoire under the supervision of Richard Causton and Howard Skempton. His musical tastes are ludicrously broad but are focused most on contemporary/avant-garde classical and electronic music. When not composing, he writes regularly about new music; Simon is the author of the contemporary music blog 5:4 (5against4.com), and regularly contributes articles for a variety of books, journals and websites. Follow him on Twitter @5against4.