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The Arts Intel Report

A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler
A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler

Pärnu Music Festival

A Pärnu Music Festival performance, 2022.

July 12–21, 2023

Few nations treasure their musicians more than the Baltic states. In Estonia, the government even makes room on its Web site for a substantive tribute to the Järvis, Estonia’s “greatest musical family.” Of the three members who enjoy international conducting careers, the 85-year-old Neeme is dubbed “the patriarch.” His son Paavo is singled out as “the classic,” Paavo’s brother Kristjan as “the rebel.” All three are in residence at the eclectic 10-day Pärnu Festival hosting a starry constellation of friends from home and abroad, (What’s Estonian for smörgåsbord?). —Matthew Gurewitsch

Photo: Kaupo Kikkas