In June 7, a famous Estonian conductor Neeme Järvi celebrates his birthday – the most recorded Estonian conductor who has directed dozens of noted world's orchestras. In May 26, the jubilee concert takes place in Estonia Concert Hall, Neeme Järvi and his sons Paavo and Kristjan Järvi conducting the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra.
Neeme Järvi studied conducting with Nikolai Rabinovich and Yevgeny Mravinsky in 1955–1960 at the Leningrad State Conservatoire. In years 1963–1975 he was the principal conductor and musical director of the Estonian National Opera and in 1963–1979 also the principal conductor of Estonian State Symphony Orchestra. In 1980, Neeme Järvi and his family emigrated to the United States of America. In following years, he directed dozens of noted orchestras and was engaged as a chief conductor of the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Royal Scottish Symphony Orchestra and Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and as a first guest conductor of the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
At the present time, Neeme Järvi is principal conductor of the Residentie Orkest, Hague, principal conductor and music director of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, music director emeritus of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, principal conductor emeritus of the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra and first principal guest conductor of the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra.
Neeme Järvi is among the most recorded conductors in the world; a hundred of CDs have been produced under his baton. As a conductor he also has taken Estonian music to the world’s arena.
In the years of Estonia's fight for independence, Neeme Järvi's ties to the homeland were restored. Beginning from Järvi's concert tour to Estonian with Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra in 1989, he continued his guest performances in homeland. Since 2000, Neeme Järvi has held international master classes in the framework of the David Oistrakh Festival taking place in the summer resort town of Pärnu, Estonia.
At the Neeme Järvi's jubilee concert in Estonia Concert Hall in May 26, Estonian National Symphony Orchestra is conducted by Neeme, Paavo and Kristjan Järvi. The programme includes "Finlandia" by Jean Sibelius, "Three I had those words of beauty" by Veljo Tormis, "Three pieces" for flute and orchestra by Heino Eller (orchestrated by Charles Coleman), three movements form the "Aladdin suite" by Carl Nielsen, Faust Symphony by Ferenc Liszt and "North coast" by Villem Kapp. Beside ENSO, flutist Maarika Järvi, tenor Juhan Tralla and Estonian National Male Choir participate.