Definitely this European Orchestra Festival in Tallinn is one of the most important music events of the year here. I would like to thank European Orchestra Federation (Daniel Kellerhals) and Estonian Symphony Orchestras Association (Jüri-Ruut Kangur) for sharing this with all of us. The festival brings seven hundred musicians from all over the Europe to ancient Hanseatic town. There are both young musicians aspiring to become professionals, as well as symphony orchestras of adult amateurs – altogether collectives from twelve countries.
Honoured Patron of the festival, Maestro Neeme Järvi, has paid much attention to develop orchestral music in his homeland Estonia, and to introduce music of Estonian composers to the world. He and other key figures of music life have had possibility to rely on the long tradition of amateur orchestras in Estonia, which was at its last peak between two world wars, when such orchestras were arranged all over the country.
Today we would like to see this tradition blooming again, after long decline during Soviet period. And that is why this festival has a significant importance for the development of cultural life here on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. I am also glad that many of you can use the wonderful opportunity to visit St Petersburg and especially the renovated St John Church, which was the birthplace of Estonian professional music culture.
With this let me declare the European Orchestra Festival in Tallinn to be opened! Let me wish pure joy of music and a beautiful springtime to all of you.
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