PURE GOLD CONCERT SERIES • CONCERT SERIES 2025/2026

Bringing a bright note to dark November days, conductor Neeme Järvi presents a programme of radiant autumn classics. The concert features the Shakespeare Suite by German composer Engelbert Humperdinck. Continuing his exploration of lesser-known masterpieces, Järvi will also conduct Symphony No. 10 by Joachim Raff, part of a series entitled Autumn. Though Raff was amongst the most celebrated German composers of the late 19th century, his works remain largely underappreciated today. His catalogue includes 11 symphonies in total. The programme also includes Joseph Haydn’s Piano Concerto in D major, performed by pianist Jaan Ots. 

In February, the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra (ERSO) will welcome British conductor Jonathan Bloxham for a performance of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, Eroica—a revolutionary work that marked a turning point in orchestral music, echoing the ideals of the French Revolution. ERSO’s principal clarinetist Soo-Young Lee will join acclaimed German violist Nils Mönkemeyer to perform Max Bruch’s Concerto for Clarinet, Viola and Orchestra. The concert opens with the Faust Overture by 19th-century German composer Emilie Mayer. 

In March, violinist David Grimal will join ERSO as both soloist and conductor, meaning no separate conductor will be on stage for this performance. The programme features Johannes Brahms’ Violin Concerto, a work dedicated to his close friend and one of the 19th century’s most renowned violinists, Hungarian Joseph Joachim. This concerto is considered one of the four great German violin concertos. The second half of the evening will showcase Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8—the shortest and most Haydn-like of his symphonies, filled with unexpected musical wit and lighthearted charm. 

Italian conductor Rinaldo Alessandrini will lead a programme dedicated to the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. It includes the cantata Geist und Seele wird verwirret (Spirit and Soul Shall Be Confounded), composed in Leipzig, and featuring countertenor Martin Karu, whose rising career is gaining recognition both nationally and internationally. The programme also features symphonic or instrumental overtures from the cantatas Ich liebe den Höchsten von ganzem Gemüte, Wir danken dir, Gott, wir danken dir, and Falsche Welt, dir trau ich nicht. Additionally, the concert will include Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 3. 

I: Neeme Järvi and the Autumn Classics 

Friday, 28 November 2025 at 19:00 

Estonia Concert Hall 

Engelbert Humperdinck Shakespeare Suite No. 1 

Joseph Haydn Piano Concerto in D major 

Joachim Raff Symphony No. 10 

JAAN OTS piano, ERSO, conductor NEEME JÄRVI 

II: Beethoven’s “Eroica” 

Friday, 27 February 2026 at 19:00 

Estonia Concert Hall 

Emilie Mayer Faust Overture 

Max Bruch Concerto for Clarinet, Viola and Orchestra 

Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 3 

SOO-YOUNG LEE clarinet, NILS MÖNKEMEYER viola, ERSO, conductor JONATHAN BLOXHAM 

III: Grimal and Brahms 

Friday, 13 March 2026 at 18:00 (pre-concert) and 19:00 

Estonia Concert Hall 

Johannes Brahms Violin Concerto 

Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 8 

DAVID GRIMAL violin, ERSO 

IV: Rinaldo Alessandrini and Martin Karu. Johann Sebastian Bach 

Friday, 24 April 2026 at 19:00 

Estonia Concert Hall 

Johann Sebastian Bach Sinfonia from the Cantata Ich liebe den Höchsten von ganzem Gemüte 

Johann Sebastian Bach Cantata Geist und Seele wird verwirret 

Johann Sebastian Bach Sinfonia from the Cantata Wir danken dir, Gott, wir danken dir 

Johann Sebastian Bach Sinfonia from the Cantata Falsche Welt, dir trau ich nicht 

Johann Sebastian Bach Orchestral Suite No. 3 

MARTIN KARU countertenor, ERSO, conductor RINALDO ALESSANDRINI