In both concerts, the string orchestra was led by the Italian Edoardo Narbona, the founder and artistic director of the group. The idea of creating an orchestra was born about a year before moving to Saaremaa. In the summer of 2016, a family of musicians (Edoardo's husband is a cellist, LSKO producer Annikki Aruväli) settled in Kuressaare. "I feel that my mission is to constantly create and initiate something," said Edoardo cheerfully after the concert, bursting with ideas. "That's how the idea was born to give local musicians an outlet, to bring musicians and the local community together."

Before the start of the project, a couple of musicians were asked why they would hold a concert in Kuressaare, essentially at the end of the world. Why not go to Tallinn, where you could hope for greater audience interest? "Edoardo immediately said that under no circumstances," said Annikki Aruväli. "Instead, you could go to Gotland or Kihnu island instead. Why go to make music where there is no direct longing for it, where there are orchestras, and yes."

As a local concert-goer, I can confirm that the LSKO concert was like a breath of fresh air before the summer season of the resort town. And although it is logical to assume that this collective has a lot of room for development, such an initiative is highly commendable. Considering that the rehearsals started on Friday afternoon, lasted all Saturday and Sunday until the concert, the result was solid. Of course - it can always be better, and orchestrators know it.

But what was offered to the audience to listen to? The spring concert - that was the overall title of the event - consisted of works by two composers. The opening bars were from Felix Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 10 in B minor for string orchestra. Two parts were performed, Adagio and Allegro. The sounds of stringed instruments lifted the audience into another time space, the first half of the 19th century. It was followed by three minuets by the composer Giacomo Puccini, who began to perform manly deeds about half a century later. Music gave wings to thoughts. One of them agreed with the listener who visited the first LSKO concert - it's worth going just for the conductor! Edoardo Narbona's directing style is lively and emotional. When it comes to the repertoire, Narbona tries to find songs that would develop the orchestra as well as be interesting for the audience. It is not always easy to combine these two aspects.

The gem of Sunday's presentation was left for the end. Mendelssohn's concerto for violin, piano and string orchestra in D minor made it possible to invite violinist Kristel Eeroja-Põldoja and pianist Joonatan Jürgenson to the Kuressaare Cultural Center. The duet of the solo instruments in the second part of the piece Adagio was particularly enjoyable. The virtuosity of the third part Allegro molto violin made the audience hold its breath in sympathy. Kristel Eeroja-Põldoja's game was solid and enjoyable. Pianist Joonatan Jürgenson graduated last year cum laude EMTA in the piano class of professor Ivari Ilja. This likable musician stood out for his outwardly calm playing style, while his sensitive hands translated the language of music into an understandable language both in solo and ensemble playing.

Finally, I would like to state that it was a great pleasure to see so many islanders and musicians connected to the island in one orchestra. Annikki Aruväli hopes that LSKO will remain with the same composition as long as possible. Then there is hope to grow and develop together. The orchestra's work has been planned long in advance and we are happy to say that preparations are already underway for the next season. In October of this year, for example, it is planned to play Sibelius's music, when it will be 60 years since his death. But before that, everyone is expected   on July 23 at the sound chamber of Kuressaare Castle Park.