A new kind of orchestra

We are a start-up orchestra founded in 2011 – talent, energy and innovation is our shared philosophy. Our spirit is what makes us unique – we are the first orchestra in the world to connect internationally-renowned performers with emerging talent from Estonia. High-level music making is at the heart of what we do.

It all began in 2011, where our world renowned conductor Paavo Järvi decided to create a new kind of orchestra – one which would bring together hand-picked top international classical musicians with emerging talent from Estonia.

Since our start we’ve been busy. We are the resident orchestra at the Pärnu Music Festival, where we welcome thousands of visitors each year, providing a cultural experience that is unique to the area. We are also partnered with the Järvi Music Academy, offering young musicians the opportunity to perform and make friends with the very best of the industry. We also tour the world’s capital cities – most recently with back-to-back performances across Europe and Asia, partnered by critically acclaimed soloists.

Talent, energy and innovation is our shared philosophy. Our music connects internationally-renowned performers with emerging talent from Estonia. High-level music making is at the heart of what we do.

The Pärnu Music Festival and Järvi Music Academy were founded by Paavo Järvi and his father Neeme, in 2011 – now home to the Estonian Festival Orchestra, it has established itself as one of the most exciting ventures in the international cultural arena.

It is hard to imagine a better location for a festival. As described in the Lonely Planet, it is a place for local families, young people and international holidaymakers to join together in a relaxed vibe with sunny weather while strolling the white-sandy beaches, sprawling parks and a picturesque historic centre.

Over a summer period audiences get to enjoy orchestral performances in a host of both intimate and popular locations, from the historical churches nearby to the luxurious spa resorts and the 1000-seater Pärnu Concert Hall; the town’s largest venue.

But that’s not all. We also work with the Järvi Music Academy to give young musicians the advantage to play with elite players from abroad and get to know them as new friends –  an invaluable opportunity to collaborate with the world’s finest. This is the unique unifying spirit of the orchestra.

In addition to the Pärnu Music Festival concerts, the Estonian Festival Orchestra also tours internationally, performing regularly in prestigious venues to sell-out audiences worldwide. So far we have performed throughout Europe, Japan and Korea collaborating with stellar soloists such as Viktoria Mullova, Khatia Buniatishvili, Lisa Batiashvili, Ksenija Sidorova and Midori. We made history in 2018 by being the first Estonian orchestra to perform at the BBC Proms and were joined for the celebrations by Arvo Pärt.