Philharmonic Orchestra

Luigi Cherubini's splendid Requiem for choir and orchestra was performed on the evening of the 13^th of October in the Main Auditorium of Tampere Hall. A capacity audience listened intently to the 60-strong Academic Male Choir of Estonia and the Tampere philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Eri Klas. It was breathtaking performance. People who had come to listen were moved by a brief note in their programmes: the performance was dedicated to the memory of conductor Peeter Lilje on the 50^th anniversary of his birth who died in 1993.

This concert was only one example of the ways in which a cultural institution like an orchestra can bring hearts and nations closer together. International contacts are forged at every concert as audiences were familiarised with the music and artists of different lands.

The internationally renowned Estonian conductor, Eri Klas, commenced his work as artistic director of the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra three years ago. Since then there has been a lively reciprocal exchange of culture. The Overture No. 2 by Tormis has been heard not only in Tampere but also in Amsterdam on a recent visit made by the Tampere Philharmonic to the famous Concertgebouw.

Premieres of works by Arvo Pärt are always notable occasions. The Finnish premiere of the work Como anhela la cierva in December 1999 brought the composer himself to Tampere, as was the case with Eino Tamberg one year earlier.

Visiting conductors in recent years have included several Estonians. Tampere has also been graced by numerous Estonian singers and the male choir already mentioned – one of the best in the world.

Two years ago the cities of Tartu and Tampere resigned the agreement of twin cities. At the same time there was a veritable invasion of Tampere musicians of their twin town. The same summer the orchestra celebrated the 8^th anniversary of Estonian new independence by performing under Eri Klas at the Vöru lake festival. In December 1998 the Academic Male Choir of Estonia had rendered themselves unforgettable in Tampere by performing Sibelius' Finlandia in Finnish at a concert in honour of Finnish Independence Day.

The strength of small countries lies in their cultures. Music can accomplish cultural co-operation by enabling works, their creators and and the public to come together. Pursuing the finest possible quality, makes the whole much more than the sum of its parts.