Estonian National Opera symphony concert

March 24, 2027 Symphony Concert  – Estonian National Opera Orchestra 120!
in the Estonia Concert Hall

Approx. running time: 1 h 20 min

PROGRAMME
Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 in C minor (“Resurrection”)

Conductor: Arvo Volmer
Soloists: Kadri Raalik (soprano), Kai Rüütel-Pajula (mezzo-soprano)
Chorus Master of the Estonian National Opera: Martin Trudnikov
Chorus Master of the Mixed Choir of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre: Hirvo Surva
Chorus Master of the Gothenburg University Music and Drama Academy Chamber Choir: Simon Arlasjö

Estonian National Opera Orchestra and Chorus, Mixed Choir of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, Gothenburg University Music and Drama Academy Chamber Choir

This spring, the orchestra of the Estonian National Opera celebrates its 120th anniversary. Estonia’s first symphony orchestra, who appeared before the public with their first concert on 5 March 1907, have carried forward a distinguished musical tradition. The anniversary concert is a festive tribute to the orchestra’s history and continuity.

The Symphony No. 2 by Gustav Mahler, subtitled “Resurrection” was completed in 1888–1894 and first performed in 1895. Along with the symphony No. 8, it was the most well-known work by Mahler already during his lifetime. He told his friends about his work: “The first movement tells about a funeral and poses a question: is there life after death? The second movement is a reminiscence of the joyous events in the lives of the deceased. The third movement discusses the pointlessness of life. The fourth movement is all about one’s wish for release from meaningless life. The fifth movement returns to the doubts of the third movement and the questions of the first, and subsequently ends with a hope of resurrection.”