The Company will perform three pieces, “Time”, “Swan Lake” and “Othello. The first piece, “Time” has been choreographed especially for the event. The performance is truly unique in the 60 year history of the festival and promises an unforgettable experience.
The remarkable caliber of musical talent at the Opening Gala of LEP-ESTO s underscored by the presence of World-renowned Estonian pianist, Hando Nahkur, and actress and Broadway star, Hanna-Liina Võsa, who has been hailed by the Los Angeles Times as a “clarion-voiced singer who is going places.” Hando Nahkur, winner of multiple international piano competitions and considered one of Estonia's most outstanding artists, has garnered glowing reviews in performance with many of the world's leading orchestras and as a soloist and arranger of classic pop songs for keyboard. At the Opening Gala, Hando will perform both as a soloist and accompanied by Hanna-Liina Võsa.
Hanna-Liina Võsa, well known to Estonian television and stage, is a 2001 graduate of the American Musical & Dramatic Academy on Broadway and was selected to sing the lead role of Sandy in the traveling production of the musical, “Grease”, in which she has given over 600 performances in 49 U.S. states and five countries. Currently residing in New York, Hanna-Liina is increasingly a regular on American TV and has appeared on the show “Law and Order” with guest actress, Sharon Stone.
The Opening Gala starts at 7:00 pm with the Flag Ceremony and national anthems of the United States and Estonia, played by the Estonian Youth Wind Orchestra. The Orchestra, under the supervision of Maestro Aavo Ots, is one of Estonia's most accomplished youth orchestra's and has won numerous awards accolades at the international level. The Estonian Youth Wind Orchestra adds yet greater breadth to an evening rich in virtuoso musical performance.
Prior to the Opening Gala, attendees are invited to attend the festival EXPO in the reception area, featuring a bewitching performance by the master Illusionist, Jürgen Veber. Attendees may stroll among the displays of Estonian culture and visit with leading companies and organizations from Estonia, among them SAKU Beer, the Estonian Tourism Board and leading Estonian designers.
The setting for the Opening Gala of LEP-ESTO 2013, San Francisco's Palace of Fine Arts, is one of the City's most beloved and graceful landmarks, built as part of the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition.
Tickets for the event may be purchased at the event website, at www.LEP-ESTO2013.com, or at the box office the afternoon of the event.
