Nordic Swans

Baltic Sea Philharmonic Tour 2021 Nordic The swan is a majestic bird cherished in Nordic culture, and tonight we bring you swan-inspired music Let uswe take perform you on every a flight piece of fromimagination, memory, as

to create a unique concert experience. and with choreography, lighting and sound design, Swans Arvo Pärt (1935) Swansong 3 September 2021, 8.30pm 11 September 2021, 8pm Merano Music Festival, Kurhaus, Usedom Music Festival, (1865 – 1957) Merano (Italy) Historical Technical Museum, Peenemünde/ Island of Usedom (Germany) The Swan of 4 September 2021, 8pm Music festival ‘Il Settembre dell’Accademia’, 12 September 2021, 5pm Pyotr I. Tchaikovsky (1840 – 1893) Teatro Filarmonico, Verona (Italy) Mieczysław Karłowicz Philharmonic, Szczecin (Poland) Swan Lake 6 September 2021, 7pm Dramatic symphony arranged Festival Ljubljana, Congress Square, by Kristjan Järvi Ljubljana (Slovenia) first edition of the score: ‘Tuonela, the land half-white concert outfits subtly combine to of death, the hell of Finnish mythology, is conjure an impression of swans dancing surrounded by a large river of black waters and moving on dark water. Dynamic lighting and a rapid current, in which The Swan of design adds to the vivid atmosphere, and Tuonela glides majestically, singing.’ the performance features elegantly crafted digital sound effects created live on stage The world’s most popular music on by a keyboards player and off stage by a Inside the theme of swans is undoubtedly sound designer. With this multisensory, Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake, which multidimensional experience, we aim to take Discoverof tonight’sthe themes programme and stories was premiered in 1877 at the Moscow audiences on an exhilarating adventure to Bolshoi Theatre. Tchaikovsky’s dreaming the North. prince Siegfried falls in love with the the music enchanted Swan Queen, Odette, who ‘Nordic Swans’ will next take flight again in glides over a magical lake together with her 2022, with concerts at the Queen Elisabeth companions. Her rival Odile, known as the Hall in Antwerp on 23 March and at the We are delighted to present our new concert Our concert opens with Arvo Pärt’s ‘Black Swan’, gives the tale its tragic turn, Berlin Philharmonie on 24 March. We hope experience ‘Nordic Swans’. After 12 long contemplative, hymn-like orchestral piece but true love ultimately triumphs over death. to see you there! months away from the stage, it is a huge thrill Swansong, which is based on an earlier The Baltic Sea Philharmonic performs Swan to be touring Europe once again. Tonight we choral composition, Littlemore Tractus Lake as a dramatic symphony arranged perform a new programme inspired by one (2000), in which Pärt set a text by the by Kristjan Järvi, who says his aim was to of nature’s noblest creatures – the swan. influential English theologian Cardinal John ‘highlight the brilliance of Tchaikovsky’s epic Featuring music by Arvo Pärt, Sibelius and Henry Newman. The piece exemplifies the work’. His arrangement combines famous Tchaikovsky, ‘Nordic Swans’ celebrates these Estonian composer’s ‘holy minimalism’, melodies with some less familiar sections majestic birds that are often visible on the a style of musical expression far removed of the original ballet score. For the Romantics, Baltic coast, especially at sunset. For the from the neo-classical and avant-garde the swan was a Romantics, the swan was a symbol of loyalty, works of his early output. A new kind of concert experience purity and elegance. A swan draws the hero’s ‘Nordic Swans’ marks not just a return symbol of loyalty, purity boat in Wagner’s opera Lohengrin. It appears The Swan of Tuonela is the most well to live performance for the Baltic Sea and elegance in the Finnish national poetry epic known of Sibelius’s Four Legends from the Philharmonic, but is also a new showcase and in medieval German verse romances Kalevala, also known as the Lemminkäinen for our transformation of the classical about the knight Parzival. Kristjan Järvi says: Suite (1895). The Legends describe concert experience. We perform the entire ‘Swans are creatures of great purity and various adventures of the young hero programme from memory, with most of the beauty, and all the Nordic countries have Lemminkäinen, and The Swan of Tuonela musicians standing up and able to move them in their culture, which is why we’re depicts the sacred creature he had been freely on the stage. Specially devised focusing the repertoire in this way.’ tasked to kill. Sibelius wrote at the top of the choreography and bespoke half-black and The idea that anything is possible is not just feel as if they are suddenly entering a new a touchstone for the Baltic Sea Philharmonic dimension.’ This same invitation to a world of players. It also encapsulates Kristjan’s vision possibilities is extended with ‘Nordic Swans’. for the concert experience, which becomes Kristjan says: ‘The swan is not just a Nordic a thrillingly immersive spectacle of music, symbol. It is also the symbol of a majestic lighting design, digital soundscapes and video feeling of infinity. This is what I try to instill in projections. ‘I want to create transformational people with everything that I do – to think with Nordic environments,’ he says. ‘The audience should a sense of the infinite.’ Kristjan has ‘earned a reputation as one of the canniest, and most innovative, programmers on the classical scene’ Reuters

Biography concepts. At the end of 2020 As a recording artist Kristjan pioneer Using the power of music he founded nEscapes, a new has more than 60 albums to to create spaces in which record label which, besides his credit, from Hollywood anything is possible, Kristjan online music distribution, offers soundtracks such as Cloud Kristjan Järvi’s pursues his pioneering ideas its own unique ‘nEscapes Atlas and award-winning unstoppable vision as a conductor, producer, Lounges’ to artists as a new albums on Sony Classical and composer and arranger. He listening format. Chandos to his eponymous developed his own unique series the Kristjan Järvi Sound sound with his New York-based As a conductor, Kristjan is at Project, which launched in Creative freedom, risk-taking and innovation Kristjan has instilled in the Baltic Sea classical-hip-hop-jazz group home on the big international 2014. Nordic Escapes, his are at the heart of Kristjan Järvi’s work with Philharmonic musicians a collective spirit Absolute Ensemble, the Baltic stages, directing great classics debut album as composer and the Baltic Sea Philharmonic. ‘We are building of self-discovery. He encourages their Sea Philharmonic, and ‘Nordic from Wagner to Tchaikovsky, producer for BMG’s Modern a new orchestral model,’ he says. ‘As passion and potential in areas such as Pulse’, the in-house ensemble and contemporary icons from Recordings was released orchestras, we have to ask ourselves what we memorisation, digital production and of his production company, Steve Reich to Radiohead, as in 2020. are here for. It must be to create, uplift, inspire music creation. And he nurtures their Sunbeam Productions. well as his original productions. and innovate. And you cannot have innovation leadership skills, guiding a team of section He collaborates with some Born in Estonia, Kristjan without taking risks. Everything we’re doing leaders and senior musicians. ‘What we Together with his Sunbeam of today’s brightest creative emigrated to the United States with the Baltic Sea Philharmonic – from playing are doing with the orchestra,’ he says, ‘is team, Kristjan creates new minds, from film director Tom as a child and grew up in by heart to performing with lights and sound a constant process of opening musicians experiences that combine Tykwer to composers and New York City. Since 2015 design – is about making that creative leap, and up to possibilities, so they discover what music, visual art, lighting design performers Max Richter, Robot he has lived in the Estonian hopefully inspiring others through our example.’ lies within.’ and technology with innovative Koch, Hauschka and Bastille. capital, Tallinn. Piano Viktoria Kassel (Germany) Gabrielė Bekerytė (Lithuania) Victor Sjögren (Sweden) Percussion Clarinet Marnisch Haderlein-Ebner (Germany) Alexey Mikhaylenko (Russia) Pietari Huhtinen () Our Fátima Trives Escolano (Spain/Denmark) Pablo Navarro Diaz (Spain/Germany) Aikaterini Koskina (Greece/Germany) Íñigo Aramburu Arnáiz (Spain/Germany) Coach Arseniy Shkaptsov (Russia) Marzena Malinowska (Poland)

The Baltic Sea Philharmonic is a community Team Baltic Sea Music musicians Ingrid Aukner (Norway) Education Foundation of musicians from all over the world. All our musicians Javier Calvo Gutiérrez (Spain/Germany) Thomas Hummel (Executive Director) share strong ties with the Nordic region, as they were Nikita Iankovskii (Russia) Jutta Loosen (Communications Director) or they study or work in one of these countries Mikus Runka (Latvia) Joanna Wilde (Senior Production Manager) either born in one of the ten countries around the Baltic Sea Rita Sosedow (Production Manager) Trumpet Katharina Wickel (Communications Manager) Josep Gómez Alemany (Spain/Germany) Danielle Griffin (Music Librarian) Violin Cello Laur Keller (Estonia) Alexander Datz (Press Officer) Romualda Błoch (Poland) Lydia Eriksson (Finland) Emilia Suchlich (Germany) Anna Müller (Project Assistant) Ilze Gagaine (Latvia) Adam Garnecki (Poland) Grácio Z. Vieira Silva (Brazil/Finland) Maya Oppitz (Project Assistant) Sabīne Grase (Latvia) Marius Malanețchi (Moldova/Germany) Barbara Petkēviča (Project Assistant) Kseniia Ivakina (Russia) Adrien Le Gall (Videographer) Malwina Kulisiewicz (Poland) Double Bass Richard Dießner (Germany) Bernd Possardt (Photographer) Andrea Masciarelli (Italy/Estonia) Agnieszka Detko (Poland) Ignas Filonovas (Lithuania) Manuela Reut (Stylist) Evgenia Pavlova (Russia) Mateusz Filip (Poland) Kaspar-Oskar Kramp (Estonia) Jonas Rose (Video Animation) Laura Zimka (Latvia) Miłosz Madejski (Poland) Raban Ruddigkeit (Design) Tuba Peter Somerford (Editor) Viola Flute Enri Remmelgas (Estonia) Chris Ekers (Sound Engineer) Nemanja Adamović (Serbia/Germany) Kristīne Beitika (Latvia) Vedran Hamovic (Sound Assistant) Marzena Malinowska (Poland) Evelīna Lašketa (Latvia) Harp Sandor Antal (Stage Manager) Maximilian Procop (Germany) Marija Račkauskaitė (Lithuania) Liis Jürgens (Estonia) Thomas Hesse (Stage Manager) Born

The Baltic Sea Philharmonic to innovateis redefining the orchestral model

Under the baton of Music Director and Each concert is a unique spectacle of Philharmonic transcends geographical and answers to the questions of how a 21st- Founding Conductor Kristjan Järvi, every sound, light, choreography, visual art and historical boundaries and has become a century orchestra can evolve, perform, performance of the Baltic Sea Philharmonic technology, an electrifying experience that movement for bringing people together. educate and connect people. ‘It is a living is a voyage of musical discovery. Playing fizzes with infectious energy. Even more Embodying all that is innovative and breathing creature, with boundless energy entire programmes by heart, the musicians than this, as a community of musicians progressive about the Nordic region, this and enthusiasm for the new – an adventure create a one-of-a-kind artistic journey. from ten Nordic countries, the Baltic Sea visionary ensemble is providing compelling in itself’, says Kristjan Järvi. Passion, unity and vision Education and training have, alongside just from memory but also without breaks Playing by heart Bringing together musicians from Denmark, international touring, always been at the heart or intermission, thus creating a seamless Performing from memory has become Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, of the orchestra’s mission, with a commitment flow of music. ‘Divine Geometry’ (2019) an essential part of the Baltic Sea Norway, Poland, Russia and Sweden, the to develop the musicians’ professional skills brought together Baroque and minimalism, Philharmonic’s signature concert experience. Baltic Sea Philharmonic began life in 2008 and expand their musical horizons, especially and included the German premiere of The absence of music stands and scores on the initiative of the Usedom Music Festival in the area of memorised performance. Steve Reich’s Music for Ensemble and creates a special feeling on stage, produces and won immediate acclaim for its passionate The creation in 2013 of the Baltic Sea Orchestra, a work co-commissioned by a thrilling visual impact in the hall, and performances and its powerful message Music Education Foundation consolidated the Baltic Sea Philharmonic together opens up new possibilities for dynamic of unity in a historically divided region. The a burgeoning education programme, which with the New York Philharmonic, the Los presentation and choreography. The orchestra was praised by German Chancellor includes chamber music coaching and Angeles Philharmonic, the San Francisco musicians, most of whom are standing, are Angela Merkel as ‘a compelling example special concerts for school students. Symphony, the London Symphony free to move and interact with each other of using music as a powerful medium for Orchestra and the Sydney Symphony and the conductor. The orchestra becomes cooperation and integration across borders’. Revolutionary concert experiences Orchestra. ‘Nordic Swans’ (2021/22), a like a powerful organism, every player And its achievements were honoured in The Baltic Sea Philharmonic has swan-inspired programme of music by Arvo attuned to one collective beating heart. In the 2015 with the European Culture Prize by the established an international reputation Pärt, Sibelius and Tchaikovsky, features words of percussionist Mathias Matland, ‘It is European Culture Foundation ‘Pro Europe’. for its innovative programmes that throw bespoke concert outfits and specially an amazing feeling, and very liberating. With classical music conventions out of the designed choreography that enhance the the stands gone, you can see what everyone The Baltic Sea Philharmonic performs window and enable audiences and swan theme, together with atmospheric is doing, and you’re much more connected regularly in the most prestigious concert the musicians alike to experience new digital soundscapes and lighting design. with everyone on stage.’ halls and festivals in Europe and beyond, musical dimensions. The groundbreaking including the Berlin Philharmonie, the ‘Waterworks’ (2017/18), in collaboration With its new programme ‘The Most The Firebird and many more musical Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, the Dubai with Sunbeam Productions, fused music, Incredible Thing’ (2022), the Baltic Sea works played by heart have been wowing Opera, the White Nights Music Festival in St. light, sound design, visual art and fashion Philharmonic brings the magical power audiences and critics at Baltic Sea Petersburg, the Rheingau Music Festival and to spectacular effect. ‘Baltic Folk’ of fairytales to life. Kristjan Järvi’s own Philharmonic performances ever since. the Merano Music Festival. The orchestra (2017) featured the first ever memorised reworkings of Tchaikovsky’s The Snow After a concert at the Elbphilharmonie in has collaborated with leading soloists such performance of Stravinsky’s The Firebird. Maiden and The Nutcracker showcase 2019, Joachim Mischke of the Hamburger as Julia Fischer, Valentina Lisitsa, Jonas ‘Nordic Pulse’ (2018–20) is an innovative the quintessential colour and drama of the Abendblatt wrote: ‘Keeping Stravinsky’s Kaufmann and Gidon Kremer, as well as celebration of the North. ‘Midnight great Russian composer’s theatre music. high-octane score from crashing under its renowned conductor Kurt Masur, the pop Sun’ (2019) introduced a new model of These two arrangements are joined by a own weight is no easy feat for an orchestra, band Bastille and composer Max Richter. performing the complete programme not new concert suite based on the Pet Shop let alone one with all the notes in front of Boys’ ballet The Most Incredible Thing, the players’ noses. But by heart, like the a synth-infused score which itself takes rest of the almost two-hour, uninterrupted musical inspiration from Tchaikovsky’s programme? As a kind of story ballet, in Swan Lake. which groups of instruments or individuals ‘Clearly a different league’ Hamburger Abendblatt wander across the stage, in which they 200 candidates who had applied and ‘The orchestra has an explicit dance in rhythm and the concertmaster takes submitted recorded video performances. social dimension, which really off her pumps in the midst of all this excess The jury for the live virtual auditions, energy? This is clearly a different league.’ comprising Kristjan Järvi and ten Baltic Sea struck me as important’ Philharmonic senior musicians, made a Max Richter New horizons online final selection of 70 musicians, who have The Baltic Sea Philharmonic is passionate joined the Baltic Sea Philharmonic’s pool of about innovation in the digital landscape. outstanding players for international tours Amid the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and exciting opportunities on stage, in the An acclaimed, fast-growing discography Richter, although his compositions have it launched a series of cutting-edge digital studio and online. The Baltic Sea Philharmonic and previously featured on the programmes of projects connecting musicians and music Kristjan Järvi expanded their acclaimed Baltic Sea Philharmonic concerts. Recorded fans around Europe and across the world. The orchestra’s senior musicians had discography in 2020, with two recordings in Tallinn, Estonia, in September 2019, in the An ambitious virtual-orchestra production of important responsibilities throughout the for Sony Classical and another for presence of the composer, EXILES features a 20-minute extract from Shostakovich’s epic entire Digital Talent Tour audition process, BMG. Sony released Sleeping Beauty, new versions of pieces from previous Max Symphony No. 7, which premiered online in from helping to choose the audition a new arrangement by Kristjan Järvi Richter albums, as well as pieces originally May 2020, involved no fewer than 108 Baltic repertoire, to assessing the initial video of Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet as a composed for ballet scores. Sea Philharmonic players in 18 countries. applications, and then conducting the live 70-minute dramatic symphony, and Glass & And in July 2020 the orchestra and Kristjan virtual auditions. By helping to appraise and Stravinsky Violin Concertos with the The main work on the new album, the Järvi started ‘Musical Chain’, an ongoing interview their peers, these experienced young Swiss violinist David Nebel. The 33-minute ‘Exiles’, has a strong socio- series of original music remix videos giving members play a key role in shaping and Baltic Sea Philharmonic also features political dimension, in that it is Richter’s classical gems a cutting-edge twist. Through developing the unique personality of the on Kristjan Järvi’s debut album for BMG/ personal response to the humanitarian this innovative project, the Baltic Sea orchestra as a whole. Auditioning their Modern Recordings, Nordic Escapes. disaster of the migrant crisis and the plight Philharmonic is evolving from an orchestra fellow players is also an opportunity for These three recordings led to the orchestra of Syrian refugees. The choice of the Baltic into a band, with the musicians becoming the senior musicians to develop their own and Kristjan Järvi being nominated in no Sea Philharmonic – with its open, borderless producers as well as creators. leadership qualities, critical listening and fewer than eight categories for the OPUS and unifying nature – as collaborators for empathetic communication skills, and gain KLASSIK 2021, the new prize for classical the album was therefore an important one In the face of pandemic disruptions, the valuable insights into the audition process. music in Germany. for the composer. ‘They are engaged with Baltic Sea Philharmonic also brought Flautist and senior musician Kristīne music and society, connecting people its 2020 recruitment drive online with a Beitika, from Latvia, says: ‘When I listened The latest Baltic Sea Philharmonic album, who live around the Baltic Sea so that highly successful Digital Talent Tour. In to the applicants I wanted them to succeed Max Richter’s EXILES, was released in obviously includes former Western January 2021 the orchestra held live video- and feel confident and happy about their August 2021 and marks the orchestra’s European countries and former Eastern conference auditions for 91 candidates playing. Having had this experience of label debut for Deutsche Grammophon. bloc countries,’ he says. ‘The orchestra from the entire Baltic Sea region. These being on the jury, I know that it will help me It is the orchestra’s first major collaboration has an explicit social dimension, which musicians were selected from more than for my own auditions.’ with leading contemporary composer Max really struck me as important.’ from the orchestra. ‘Beethoven’s Twilight’ With music recorded during the orchestra’s is a cutting-edge, electronics-infused take ‘Nordic Pulse’ tour in September 2020 and on Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, starring remixed by Kristjan Järvi, the video conjures 21 members of the Baltic Sea Philharmonic. the magical light, wonder and nature of The musicians filmed themselves performing the North. Estonian bagpipes player Mari outside, and these scenes were intercut with Meentalo’s unique improvisations give emotive scenes of love, loss, pain and peace, the track an otherworldly dimension. The along with elemental images of nature, cities video for ‘Midnight Sun’ takes on a new and space. Digital with ‘Musical Chain’ visual direction and was created under the Bringing the band back together direction of Berlin-based designer, editor ‘Ascending Swans’ is based on Sibelius’s and illustrator Raban Ruddigkeit. He has When live performances were disrupted producing videos, and a way of expressing ‘Song of Praise’ from the Swanwhite Suite, collaborated with the Baltic Sea Philharmonic by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in new facets of their creative personality. one of the Baltic Sea Philharmonic’s signature since 2016 and is responsible for the graphic 2020, the Baltic Sea Philharmonic quickly Horn player Noé Lehmann says: ‘“Musical encore pieces. The orchestra recorded design of the orchestra’s entire media output. responded with innovative digital projects. Chain” gives me the opportunity to explore the music in Merano, Italy, in September These reflect solidarity its strength as a community my creativity in a whole new way. It helped 2020, and the video features 13 musicians ‘Midnight Sun’ is also the first original of musicians and its commitment to me to stay strong in these difficult times and along with stunning images that celebrate ‘Musical Chain’ audio track to be released on capturing online the energy and spirit of it made me incredibly happy when I saw my the landscapes and nature of the North. a label. BMG/Modern Recordings released its live performances. ‘Musical Chain’, fellow musicians in the videos.’ ‘Nutty Christmas’, a fun seasonal take on short and long versions of the track in July a series of strikingly original music videos Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, transforms the 2021. Further original audio tracks from the which launched in July 2020, takes the ‘Musical Chain’ has so far featured five music ‘Dance of the Reed Pipes’ and the ‘Dance ‘Musical Chain’ series are set for release on now-familiar virtual orchestra concept videos. For most of the videos, Baltic Sea of the Sugar Plum Fairy’ into the Baltic Sea the new independent label nEscapes soon. in a completely fresh direction, bringing Philharmonic musicians recorded audio Philharmonic’s very own Christmas carol. musicians from the orchestra together tracks at home and filmed themselves in ‘Musical Chain’ will continue with new with other artists and creative collaborators. atmospheric landscapes. Kristjan Järvi then The latest ‘Musical Chain’ video, ‘Midnight international collaborators involved in the A symbol of unity and solidarity in the face mixed the audio and a professional video Sun’, is inspired by the phenomenon of the creative process, and with the musicians of the of the pandemic, ‘Musical Chain’ also production team edited the final videos, which never-setting sun that occurs above the Baltic Sea Philharmonic becoming producers shows how the Baltic Sea Philharmonic were released on the orchestra’s social media Arctic Circle around midsummer. of their own audio and video productions. is taking the concept of the orchestra further channels and have reached over 100,000 – from ensemble to band to producer. people worldwide so far.

For the musicians of the orchestra, the Recutting classical gems ‘Musical Chain’ project has been a vital The first video in the series, ‘Midnight Mood’, ‘“Musical Chain” gives me the opportunity source of connection during lockdowns, is a reimagining of Grieg’s ‘Morning Mood’ a chance to learn about shooting and from Peer Gynt and features 13 musicians to explore my creativity in a whole new way’ Noé Lehmann (Switzerland/Germany) – Horn Enjoy the sound of the Baltic Sea Philharmonic anywhere you like with Listening our album releases

Kristjan Järvi: Nordic Escapes Wagner: The Ring. An Orchestral Adventure. BMG/Modern Recordings, 2020 Arranged for orchestra by Henk de Vlieger Baltic Sea Philharmonic, Sony Classical, 2016 London Symphony Orchestra, Baltic Sea Philharmonic, pleasures Nordic Pulse Ensemble, Kristjan Järvi Kristjan Järvi

Max Richter: EXILES Tchaikovsky: Sleeping Beauty. Deutsche Grammophon, 2021 A Dramatic Symphony. Arranged by Kristjan Järvi Baltic Sea Philharmonic, Kristjan Järvi Sony Classical, 2020 Baltic Sea Philharmonic, Kristjan Järvi

Igor Stravinsky, Philip Glass: Violin Concertos Kristjan Järvi: Midnight Sun Sony Classical, 2020 BMG/Modern Recordings, 2021 David Nebel, violin, Baltic Sea Philharmonic, Mari Meentalo, Estonian bagpipe, London Symphony Orchestra, Kristjan Järvi Baltic Sea Philharmonic, Kristjan Järvi been documenting the classical sphere scenes footage from a spectacular charity for nearly a decade,’ he says, ‘but within concert at Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie minutes of the first rehearsal, I realised this on 4 January 2020, when the Baltic Sea was a completely unique organisation with Philharmonic and Kristjan Järvi joined Bastille ambitious goals that went far beyond just on stage to perform special reorchestrations making music. What they are doing can’t of the band’s songs. be defined by a traditional description of an orchestra or genre.’ The Elbphilharmonie concert, in support of YouTube charity channel Channel Aid, was a Nordic Pulse follows Järvi and the orchestra wild success, with 2,100 music fans packing to nine cities in four countries, with exclusive the Elbphilharmonie, and more than 10,000 concert footage from venues including the following a livestream of the performance on Stars onTwo eyecatching spectacular Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, YouTube. Bastille lead vocalist Dan Smith and the poignant Historical Technical said afterwards: ‘It was a real privilege to play screendocumentaries spotlight the Museum in Peenemünde, the site of the with the Baltic Sea Philharmonic and Kristjan Baltic Sea Philharmonic Nazis’ V2 rocket facility in the Second World Järvi. To collaborate on stage with so many War, now transformed into a place of culture, brilliant musicians was such an incredible peace and hope. The documentary is experience and one that we’ll never forget.’ currently available on KLM flights. Visitors to the Baltic Sea Philharmonic’s Directed by acclaimed filmmaker David YouTube channel can watch a wide Donnelly (Maestro, Forte), the film is a An unforgettable night in Hamburg, selection of concert highlights, complete portrait of an exceptional group of musicians in Bastille – ReOrchestrated performances, original music videos and from ten different nations who come Released on Amazon Prime Video in behind-the-scenes footage. On top of this together for a journey of self-discovery. The February 2021, Bastille – ReOrchestrated digital presence, two recent feature-length documentary explores how the Baltic Sea explores how British pop band Bastille documentaries, Nordic Pulse and Bastille – Philharmonic challenges expectations of redefined its sound and the musical ReOrchestrated, are now showcasing the what an orchestra can be. It’s also the story experience for its fans by experimenting with orchestra in a spectacular way. of a visionary leader in Kristjan Järvi, who orchestral arrangements. The film features wants to transform the concert experience extensive performance and behind-the- Nordic Pulse – a journey of self-discovery for audiences and change their way of Premiered at the Tallinn Black Nights Film thinking about the world. Festival in Estonia in November 2019, Nordic Pulse follows the orchestra on two Within the first few days of filming on ‘To collaborate on stage with so many landmark European tours that it made Nordic Pulse, Donnelly knew he was brilliant musicians was an incredible experience in 2017 – ‘Waterworks’ and ‘Baltic Folk’. witnessing something special. ‘I have and one that we’ll never forget’ Dan Smith, Bastille Published by Editor Baltic Sea Music Education Peter Somerford Foundation e. V. Schiffbauerdamm 12 Design 10117 Berlin, Germany Raban Ruddigkeit Join our vibrant Phone: +49 30 297 702 90 community Baltic Email: [email protected] Photos www.bmef.eu Baltic Sea Philharmonic by Peter Adamik, photo Kristjan Järvi by Sunbeam Dr Dirk von Ameln, Chairman of the Board Productions/Siiri Kumari. Through their spiritexperience of touring with the Our free email newsletter ‘Baltic Sea Rolf Seelige-Steinhoff, Deputy Chairman Baltic Sea Philharmonic, our musicians have Inside’ features all the latest news about the Frank Häuser, Treasurer Acknowledgements developed a strong bond of friendship and Baltic Sea Philharmonic and its activities, Matthias Warnig, President of the Board Baltic Sea Music Education Foundation community – a unique Baltic Spirit. We bring from educational projects, concerts and of Trustees is grateful for all the support received this same spirit to you, not only live on stage tours, to media highlights, success stories throughout the year from individuals, but also in our series ‘Humans of Baltic and how you can get more involved with us Kristjan Järvi, Founding Conductor companies and institutions, as well as Sea Philharmonic’, which we regularly – whether as a fan, supporter or musician. and Music Director all music lovers. Many thanks to every publish on our social media channels, Thomas Hummel, Executive Director one of them! and which gives our players the chance to These channels are our way of bringing the Jutta Loosen, Communications Director introduce themselves in their own words. Baltic Sea Philharmonic closer to you, and We would like to welcome Lutz-Dietmar Falk as they grow we hope more and more music Artistic Council and Dr Beate-Carola Johannsen among our Through our social media channels, you can lovers will join our vibrant community. So Valery Gergiev, Marek Janowski, group of supporters, and we thank them and get involved with the orchestra by watching come in, explore, and let us know what you Mariss Jansons (†), Kurt Masur (†), all of our supporters for their contributions to our videos on YouTube, having your say on think. We would love to hear your feedback. Esa-Pekka Salonen our educational programmes in 2021. Facebook or Twitter, checking out photos of our musical adventures on Instagram, A great thank you to all the music or listening to our music on Spotify. academies, music festivals and concert presenters involved in our 2021 projects for their support and collaboration.

‘Once you taste this spirit of ingenuity, brilliance and innovation, there is nothing else to do than to carry it with you through your life’ Vida Bobin (Poland) – Violin Baltic Sea Philharmonic is supported by

Baltic Sea Music Education Foundation

Sponsor of the Szczecin concert