ERSO marks centenary season with film series at Artis

The Estonian National Symphony Orchestra is marking its 100th season with a film series at Artis cinema, featuring documentaries and recordings in which the orchestra played a significant role, ERR reports.

Screenings will take place on seven consecutive Thursdays. Each will begin with a short introduction to the film and its background.

The programme opens with Estonian public broadcaster ETV’s four-part documentary series “Three-quarters of a Century with ERSO”, followed by “Neeme Järvi: Music Above All”. Two documentaries, “Mahler’s Titan” and “Songs of a Wandering Journeyman”, explore the creative path of composer Gustav Mahler. The series concludes with video recordings of “Pööriöö” and “Macbeth”, productions directed by Ene-Liis Semper and Tiit Ojasoo.

Orchestra director Kristjan Hallik said the idea for the festival came while preparations for the anniversary revealed the breadth of ERSO’s work beyond its regular Friday concerts, including television appearances and films.

“When we talk about the achievements of Western culture, we can confidently say that the symphony orchestra is one of the greatest achievements of Western culture,” Hallik said.

ERSO is also celebrating its centenary season with a concert programme. The orchestra recently returned from a successful tour of South Korea.