Vanemuine Symphony Orchestra’s Summer Concert in Kassitoome Valley

Text Mark Taylor
Photo Heikki Leis

This Sunday, July 28, Kassitoome Valley in Tartu will host the Vanemuine Symphony Orchestra’s annual summer concert for the 14th consecutive year. This event is part of Tartu’s celebrations as the European Capital of Culture in 2024 and promises a diverse musical programme and notable performances.

The concert will feature a large number of soloists, more than ever before. Risto Joost, the musical director and conductor of the summer concert, highlighted the uniqueness of this year’s event by comparing it to the famous three tenors’ concerts. The concert will include performances by Annely Peebo, Monika-Evelin Liiv, Sandra Laagus, Karmen Puis, Rasmus Kull, Simo Breede, Aksel Vürst (clarinet), Minna Emilia Vürst (flute), and Marta Mutso (violin).

Sandra Laagus recently won the Young Musician Award and will join the Berlin State Opera. Monika-Evelin Liiv is the first Estonian soloist to perform at the Royal Opera House in London, with notable partners such as Anna Netrebko, Jonas Kaufmann, and Dmitri Hvorostovsky. Annely Peebo is an internationally recognised Estonian opera soloist who received the title of Kammersänger in 2022.

The concert will also highlight talented young musicians, featuring siblings Minna Emilia Vürst (flute) and Aksel Vürst (clarinet). The 17-year-old Kasper Joel Nõgene, a promising conductor, will also be conducting alongside experienced conductors.

Conductors for the event will include Risto Joost, Endel Nõgene, and Kasper Joel Nõgene. The programme will feature works by Eino Tamberg, Gioachino Rossini, Pietro Mascagni, William Gomez, Camille Saint-Saëns, Edward Elgar, Tõnis Kaumann, Giuseppe Verdi, Richard Strauss, Eduard Tubin, Imre Kálmán, Georges Bizet, and Raimond Valgre.

The Vanemuine Opera Choir and the Vanemuine Symphony Orchestra will also perform, with Karol Kuntsel hosting the event. Entry to the concert is free, and the programme can be found on the Vanemuine Theatre’s website.

On July 28, traffic arrangements will include the closure of K. E. von Baeri Street from the intersection with Näituse Street from 8 am to midnight. Oru and K. E. von Baeri Streets will be closed from 6 pm to 10 pm. Attendees are encouraged to park in the city centre and walk to Kassitoome. Bringing personal seating is recommended for comfort during the concert.

This year’s Vanemuine Symphony Orchestra’s summer concert in Kassitoome Valley is a notable event in Tartu’s cultural calendar. With free entry and a diverse programme, it offers an excellent opportunity for both locals and visitors to enjoy a high-quality musical performance.

To learn more about this and similar topics
2024 European Capital of Culture Annely Peebo Estonian Music Estonian Opera Kassitoome Valley Tartu Vanemuine Symphony Orchestra