Estonian conductor Olari Elts becomes artistic director of Sinfonietta Rīga
Estonian conductor Olari Elts has taken over leadership of the chamber orchestra Sinfonietta Rīga from its founder Normunds Šnē, guiding the ensemble into its 21st season. LSM journalists met with him at his office ahead of the season's opening.
The chamber orchestra Sinfonietta Rīga, founded more than two decades ago by conductor Normunds Šnē, has entered its 21st season under the leadership of a new artistic director — Estonian conductor Olari Elts.
Ahead of the opening of the concert season, LSM representatives visited the conductor at his office for a meeting. On the office door hangs a sign reading "Our dear Olari Elts." Commenting on it with a smile, the conductor noted that such a message places a certain responsibility on him — to live up to the expectations it implies.
A new chapter for the orchestra
The change in leadership marks a new chapter for Sinfonietta Rīga, which for nearly twenty-one years was led by its founder, Normunds Šnē, and is now entrusted to an experienced conductor from abroad. In the headline of the interview, Elts states that he has always felt at home in Latvia — a sentiment that reflects his approach to the new role and his collaboration with the orchestra.
The announcement of the leadership change comes just before the start of the new concert season, meaning audiences will soon be able to judge how the new artistic direction shapes the orchestra's sound and repertoire. The source material does not provide further details about specific concerts planned for the season.
