BOSMANS 1919: Chamber Concert at the University of Tartu Assembly Hall

On 31 October at 18:00, young cellist Deliisa Virunurm will perform at the University of Tartu Assembly Hall. She will be joined on stage by pianist Lea Leiten and cellist Egmont Välja. The varied programme features undiscovered gems and well-known works for cello. At its heart is the expressive Cello Sonata (1919) by Dutch composer Henriëtte Bosmans, which this concert series is presenting to Estonian audiences for the first time. The programme also includes Alfredo Piatti’s contemplative elegy for two cellos, Bohuslav Martinů’s distinctive and playful variations on a Slovak theme, and Gaspar Cassadó’s lively, Mediterranean-flavoured “Requiebros”. If you wish, you can contribute to the fund supporting Deliisa Virunurm’s future studies by purchasing a supporter ticket.

Deliisa Virunurm is a young cellist studying in the music programme at Vanalinna Hariduskolleegium under the guidance of Egmont Välja. She has won numerous awards at competitions in Estonia and abroad, including in Italy, Spain, Croatia and Japan. In 2024, she won first prize at the nationwide “Best Young Instrumentalist” competition and received the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre student jury prize. Deliisa has also given three solo concerts and, in 2024, received national recognition for representing Estonia at international competitions.

Lea Leiten is an acclaimed pianist and chamber musician who studied under Kalle Randalu and Peep Lassmann. She has won prizes at piano competitions and performed with a number of distinguished Estonian and international musicians. Leiten has taken part in international contemporary music festivals and works as a collaborative pianist at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre and the Tallinn Music and Ballet School.

Egmont Välja is an experienced cellist, chamber musician and teacher, best known as a performer of Baroque music. He has been a member of the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra and was the founder, soloist and artistic director of the Tallinn Baroque Orchestra. Välja has premiered works by several Estonian composers and organised the Haapsalu Early Music Festival. Alongside his musical career, he is dedicated to teaching and mentoring young cellists.