Mravinski

In history few individuals are gifted with a wealth of artistic talent. Fewer still influence their culture and society with that gift. Jevgeni Mravinski was one of such men.

Most of Mravinski's life was spent in St. Petersburg. Yet, like many residents of that beautiful city, he spent his summers in small but very popular resort town of Narva-Jôesuu. For Mravinski, Narva-Jôesuu was a place for rejuvenation of the mind and the body. Though this town was conveniently nearby both to his home city and Scandinavia, it provided him with the opportunity of surrounding himself and communicating with nature that appealed to him most. In the resort, Mravinski could detach himself from the routines of everyday life, and allow the beauty of the region to bear impact on his creative energy. It was there where Mravinski's artistic gifts translated into his greatest works.

To honour and commemorate Mravinski's visits to that region the Narva Municipality has, since 1995, organised a music festival in the historic Narva Castle. The guest of honour at the festivals has been the widow of Jevgeni Mravinski, the acclaimed artist of Russia, Aleksandra Vavilina-Mravinskaja. She is president of the Jevgeni Mravinski Association in St. Petersburg while simultaneously holding the position of professor at the St. Petersburg Conservatory.

In the festival's concert of chamber music and symphonic choirs, musicians from Estonia, Russia, and other nations are represented. The artistic leader of the festival is the conductor of Narva's renowned symphony orchestra, Anatoli Schtschura. The elegance and richness of Mravinski's contribution to his art is celebrated and enjoyed by appreciative audiences that make the festival a yearly success.