The universal language of music can bridge ages, cultures, and even continents. Since discovering his love for the violin at just 4 years old, Viljar Weimann has traveled the world as a student, violinist, professor, and conductor. Now he calls Decatur, Alabama home and shares his passion for music with the community as the conductor of the Decatur Orchestra Sul Ponticello.
Escaping Soviet Rule
Weimann’s home country, Estonia, was occupied by the Soviet Union from 1944 to 1991. The oppressive atmosphere of Soviet governance meant hardship for many Estonian families. Weimann and his family were able to escape to Canada with the help of a Canadian missionary group in 1982.
Finding Home in Decatur
It wasn’t long after moving to Alabama that the charm and community of Decatur lured Weimann and his family. The family moved to Decatur, and it has been their home ever since. Weimann became a music minister at a local church and began to envision a way to cultivate musical life in Decatur and share his passion with the community.
Orchestra Sul Ponticello
Weimann’s vision of expanding artistic opportunities for Decatur residents, inspiring young musicians with a wider range of musical choices, and elevating the local artistic culture initially took shape as a chamber orchestra featuring only a few string instruments. It grew into a full-blown orchestra with over 50 members: Decatur Orchestra Sul Ponticello.
The double meaning of the orchestra’s name (Sul Ponticello is a musical term for stringed instruments meaning to play “near the bridge”) shows just how entwined with the community it is. The orchestra members are professionals and semiprofessionals from Decatur and the surrounding areas. They work closely with the Decatur Youth Symphony and invite advanced musicians to play with Orchestra Sul Ponticello. They perform for the local schools to expose children to classical music at a young age, a practice that can improve performance in school, reduce stress, and improve overall brain health.
Tickets can be purchased at the door, or season tickets can be purchased here.
