Seletskaja brings academic music back to Narva-Jõesuu

Maria Seletskaja, music director of English National Ballet and a former ballerina, told ERR’s Vikerraadio that changing careers from ballet to music had come at a heavy social cost.

“I am socially between two worlds,” Seletskaja said. “I left the ballet world and the people with whom I shared a common psychology, but musicians already have their social connections and friendships in place.”

Seletskaja, who grew up in Narva-Jõesuu, recalled seeing the small town become quiet in the 1990s. She used to walk past the Kuursaal and think that, if she ever became a wealthy adult, she would organise a festival and bring people there.

At the time, she was not yet involved in music and was dancing ballet. A few years ago, she spoke with Kaia Lattikas, head of the Estonian Chamber Music Association. “Kaia seized the opportunity and got things moving. The locals thanked me, and I understood that this was exactly what was needed,” Seletskaja said.

She said Narva-Jõesuu was now undergoing very positive changes. The town’s location and distinct character made it special, she said, but it had also needed to reconnect with its cultural roots.

“There was once a very rich cultural life there. People came to holiday and improve their health, including educated and intelligent people who organised performances and concerts and gathered in salons. That was missed,” Seletskaja said. “For a few days, I can bring academic music back to the town.”

Seletskaja now considers Tallinn her home city, while her life revolves around music and children. As English National Ballet’s music director, she prepares not only performances and conducting but also handles a wide range of practical decisions, including which chair a musician sits on while playing.

“Step by step, I moved towards music. I did not know which direction to take, and people recommended different things. Looking back, I understand that it was not an easy journey and that I had to make many sacrifices,” she said. “I am very happy that such a career change was possible, but it came at a price.”

Seletskaja said culture was also underfunded in England, although English National Ballet was doing very well.

The artistic concept for the first five years of the Narva-Jõesuu festival is built around the four elements of nature, water, fire, air and earth, connected by love. Last year’s theme was water; this year, the focus is fire as a symbol of hope, light, vitality and creativity.

Seletskaja said the theme offered a wide range of musical possibilities, from the fires once used in lighthouses to the flames of love. Her parents live in Narva-Jõesuu, and she stays with them when she visits. She said one in every 10 residents attended the festival’s closing concert last year.