For this opening concert, Neeme Järvi (b. 1937 and still active!) leads the Sinfonietta Riga in a program that explores the Classical era and brings it into dialogue with the music of today. In the first half, they play Mozart’s Divertimento in D major, a work in which the composer's luminous style is on full display, brimming with captivating melodies, a driving rhythmic energy, and rich harmonies. Next up is an innovative take on Haydn's "Farewell" Symphony No. 45, famous for its ending that sees musicians leave the stage bit by bit (a kind of early example of performance art!). Interspersed between the movements of the symphony are a pair of recent works by Madis Järvi (Neeme's nephew, b. 1988)...