Sinfonietta Rīga appoints Olari Elts as artistic director

The season-opening concert commenced with Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, alongside Estonian composer Erkki-Sven Tüür’s piece Phantasma and German-based South Korean composer Unsuk Chin’s opus Subito con forza. Representing the Latvian musical dimension, the orchestra performed composer Pēteris Vasks’ First Violin Concerto and String Orchestra Tālā gaisma (Far Light), featuring Finnish violinist Elīna Vähälä as soloist. Lasi.lv noted that the concert was broadcast live by Latvijas Radio 3 Klasika.

Olari Elts Assumes the Artistic Directorship

Olari Elts steps into the artistic leadership of Sinfonietta Rīga after serving as a guest conductor with the ensemble on multiple occasions. His new appointment represents a return to the Latvian classical music scene, having previously served as artistic director and chief conductor of the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra from 2001 to 2006. Alongside his new role in Riga, Elts has served as artistic director and chief conductor of the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra since 2020. Speaking prior to the season opening, Elts reflected on his dual responsibilities: Strādāt ar kamerorķestri ir pilnīgi citādāk! Nebūtu loģikas uzņemties vēl viena simfoniskā orķestra vadību kaimiņvalstī. He added regarding his connection to the region: Man patīk atgriezties vietās, kur man ar orķestriem sakrīt muzicēšanas izjūta. Tādā ziņā Latvijā allaž esmu juties kā mājās.

International Career and Discography Comparisons

His 2024 recording of Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho’s opus True Fire with Radio France received a Gramophone Award in the Contemporary category. Lasi.lv noted that during the upcoming 2026/2027 season, Elts will lead the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra through its historical centenary season, which includes international tours across Europe and Asia, alongside planned collaborations with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, and Taipei Symphony Orchestra.

Frequently Asked Questions About the New Season

Who founded Sinfonietta Rīga?

State chamber orchestra Sinfonietta Rīga was created by conductor Normunds Šnē.

What other orchestras does Olari Elts currently lead?

Elts has served as the artistic director and chief conductor of the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra since 2020, a position he will retain through its centenary season.