Iitti Music Festival  June 14–17, 2006

A Word from the Artistic Director 

2006 is a great year for music. Mozart was born 250 years ago, and September marks the centenary of the birth of Shostakovich. I was very lucky to have a chance to discuss Shostakovich with a former pupil and friend of his, Mstislav Rostropovich. “Shostakovich was the greatest composer of the 20th century, a master among masters,” he said. “The whole music world is paying tribute to his memory, and I’m glad the Iitti Music Festival is also playing music by him.”

The visit last summer by the Prague Chamber Orchestra gave us a foretaste of the Mozart jubilee. The sublime interpretation of his Symphony no. 40 in G minor was one never to be forgotten. The last item to be performed in the Church at this year’s Festival is Mozart’s G minor String Quintet.

New this summer are two professional string quartets: the New Helsinki and the Polaris. The New Helsinki Quartet is famous for its refined sound, its seamless ensemble playing and its impressive musicianship. I therefore had no doubts about choosing the difficult Ravel String Quartet for the programme – a work of classical melodies and exciting harmonies.

Getting Professor Eero Tarasti, a well-known speaker on music, to transfer his musical salon to the Old Vicarage in Iitti took some doing. He has a magnificent knack of leading his listeners to the heart of the music, of opening up new vistas on the arts and of describing in lively terms the impact of music in different eras.

To be successful, the Festival concerts need another vital factor: an audience. Our Iitti audiences are unique – focused and enthusiastic. Energy flows between the music and its listeners, empowering the artists to create great performances and great feeling. The music comes alive!

Welcome to Iitti!

Laura Mikkola