Estonian conductor Maestro Paavo Järvi, internationally acclaimed for his exceptional mastery of orchestral leadership, returned to Toronto this fall for a series of performances with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. From the moment the audience entered the famed Roy Thomson Hall, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. Among the crowd were many local Estonians who knew they were in for a memorable evening.
Järvi led the orchestra in three performances— on October 30, November 1, and November 2—the concert series was called “Debussy & Sibelius.” For admirers of Claude Debussy, the program’s opening alone promised an artistic treat. The concert began with Debussy’s “Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune,” delivered with velvety, dreamlike legato lines.
The program continued with the North American premiere of “Dances: Concerto for Accordion and Orchestra” by Tõnu Kõrvits, one of Estonia’s leading contemporary composers. The work offered a compelling blend of modern and traditional elements—an elusive equilibrium Kõrvits achieved with finesse. Latvian accordionist Ksenija Sidorova brought the score to life with fresh, unexpected colours rarely heard from the instrument, more often associated with folk or polka traditions. The audience responded with prolonged applause for Järvi, Sidorova, and Kõrvits—who was present for the premiere—which prompted a charming Sibelius encore.
Another North American premiere followed: “The Fruit of Silence” by renowned Latvian composer Pēteris Vasks, arranged by G. Morton. The piece was thoughtfully crafted, balanced, and contemplative, offering listeners a sense of completeness that is difficult to achieve.
The second half of the evening was devoted to Jean Sibelius, featuring his celebrated Symphony No. 5. This cornerstone work revealed Järvi at his finest. His conducting was both effortless and exact, devoid of unnecessary gesture—a hallmark of his understated yet deeply confident approach. Järvi’s trust in his musicians was evident: rather than governing them, he guided and journeyed with them through Sibelius’s expansive musical terrain.
The evening concluded to thunderous applause and a chorus of “Bravos,” a testament to the concert’s impact. Järvi once again demonstrated his ability to connect with North American audiences while highlighting his deep roots in the musical traditions of Northern Europe.
During a conversation at Tartu College on Friday, October 31, Järvi reflected that a true composer is one who leaves an unmistakable “stamp” on their work. The same can be said of Järvi himself: a conductor whose distinct artistic signature is evident in every performance—and who continues to serve as a remarkable cultural ambassador for Estonia.
Kati Kiilaspea