Composers and Commissions
Commissions, premieres, dedications, particular arrangements and Baltic music that enjoys a special relationship with Kremerata Baltica
"Kremerata Baltica - a unique, democratic, community of musicians, carefully fostered by Gidon Kremer. I am creatively linked to this orchestra not only through a significant part of my compositions, but with the most vivid impressions of the last decade as an audience member! Their inherent elegance, flexibility, wit and boundless capacity for work allow them to skilfully manoeuvre within their vast repertoire, much of which is music written specifically for Kremerata. I take great pleasure in knowing that I too have contributed a drop of honey to this incredibly industrious hive! I very much hope that our friendship, our cooperation will continue."
– Leonid Desyatnikov
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"The phenomenon of Gidon Kremer covers an immense space. Being a great musician Gidon also combines the qualities of an innovator, playwright, director, and even manager. Inexhaustible ideas are sometimes embodied in concert-performances, reminiscent of the shape of brilliant drama. There is an on-going quest to update the repertoire which usually ends up with another success, and therein begins the design phase of another new idea.
Embodiment of the above would have been unthinkable without the establishment of Gidon's offspring, the Kremerata Baltica, which, in my opinion, is a significant event in the world of the performing arts. Throughout the almost 20 years of its existence, the orchestra has not only improved its skills, but defying time, has remained, as well as its creator, forever young. In addition to selfless service to the great classical heritage, it is particularly worth noting the role of Gidon Kremer in the creative destiny of contemporary composers. His support has enhanced the world of music by introducing and promoting composers whose names now enrich philharmonic life.
Personally, Gidon Kremer's interest in my work was a turning point, a milestone, in my life. Any words we address to a person of high renown are by their nature, inappropriate and pretentious. I am grateful that our partnership has grown into a friendship, and continues to this day. I am happy that the lion's share of my work is written for and dedicated to Gidon.
All my best wishes, here's to a long life to you, my dear Kremeratini and dearest Gidon."
– Giya Kancheli
"For all these years, I have associated Gidon Kremer and "the apple of his eye", Kremerata Baltica, with friendship, service to music and the pursuit of the creative spirit in the best sense of the word. They are like a family where true companionship, intelligence, and a particular understanding of the beauty and fragility of life prevail. I am deeply grateful to fate for the moments that I as a composer have had the pleasure of spending with this fantastically beautiful ensemble. Let the future years be creatively bright and sonorous, let your hearts and hands not tire!"
– Arturs Maskats
My sincerest congratulations to the Kremerata "children" who have now achieved creative maturity and excellence! And for their dear Maestro, "Papa" Kremerata, my deepest respect and gratitude for the innumerable good deeds he has performed for me and my colleagues. I can now confess to Gidon that in 1977, with his interpretation of Tabula Rasa, he revealed my own music to me, and for that I am eternally grateful!
Wishing you a long and prosperous life!
– Arvo Pärt
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"Thank you very much for your unique Baltic voice, for your continuous support of modern composers and for your belief in the power of music!"
– Raminta Šerkšnyte
"In the summer of 1996, Riga was dizzy with flowering linden. Latvia, the Baltics, were shimmering in summer light when Gidon invited me to compose a piece for Kremerata Baltica. A year later, when the linden was blossoming in Lockenhaus and Salzburg, the world premiere of Distant Light was heard. When Riga again was dizzied by linden blossoms, and the Baltics in summer light, a lonely angel flew over the Riga Dom, lightly brushing it with its soothing and protective wing. Often stars born in Riga don't return. Gidon returns. And now for almost 20 years we have had Kremerata Baltica. I wish them strength and love in their quest to bring joy to the world!"
– Pēteris Vasks