Estonian culture in the world.
“Kalamaja Blues”, an Estonian mini-web series in collaboration with Finnish broadcaster Yle, that is launching this autumn, has a “Friends” and “Seinfeld” energy, according to its director Vivian Säde. The comedy-drama premieres in the autumn and is set in one of Tallinn’s most colourful districts known for its wooden houses, industrial heritage and bohemian hangouts. […]
Comedy drama “Kalamaja Blues” launches this autumn Read More »
In a world where music often speaks louder than words, Arvo Pärt’s compositions resonate with a profound, almost spiritual clarity. His minimalist approach to music, characterised by hauntingly beautiful harmonies and a meditative silence, not only redefines the classical genre but also invites listeners into an intimate dialogue of love and transcendence. This story delves
Sounds emanating love – the story of Arvo Pärt Read More »
German record label ECM has released “Reminiscentiae” (Reminiscences), a new album of the late composer Veljo Tormis’ work, recorded by the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and Tallinn Chamber Orchestra under the baton of Tõnu Kaljuste. Conductor Tõnu Kaljuste, who chose the material for the recording, described the album as “reminiscences of reminiscences”. “There are several
ECM releases a new Veljo Tormis album Read More »
The Estonian Film Institute nominates Anna Hints’ documentary, “The Smoke Sauna Sisterhood” (“Savvusanna sõsarad” in Estonian), a documentary about women who come together in the protective darkness of the smoke sauna – an important part of the Estonian cultural heritage – to the American Film Academy Awards for consideration in the Best International Feature Film
Estonia submits “The Smoke Sauna Sisterhood” for Oscar consideration Read More »
Estonian World talked to Teele Dunkley, a UK-based Estonian filmmaker, about her life and work and her upcoming movie project, “The Secret Folk Dancer” – a film about the Estonian-Filipino Rein, who discovers a group of Estonian folk dancers practising in London, and joins them in secret, knowing that his cool skateboarding friends would not
Filmmaker Teele Dunkley: For Estonians, folk dancing is part of their fibre Read More »
This year, Estonia’s largest folk music festival, in the country’s southern town of Viljandi, celebrates its 30th anniversary; here’s a look at the unique and cool vibes and people of the festival, as captured last year by Estonian World’s photographer Janar Puuram. In 2023, the Viljandi Folk Music Festival – that last year brought 25,000 visitors over four
Pictures: The vibes of the Viljandi Folk Music Festival Read More »
Estonia’s cherished Song Celebrations take place under the famous arch at the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds – but how was the arch built?* The first Song Celebration stage at its current location in Tallinn was built in 1928. It was designed by Karl Burman and provided space for 15,000 performers. The choirs sounded powerful there,
A story of the Estonian Song Celebration arch you probably did not know Read More »
The Canadian government is supporting the planned Keskus International Estonian Centre, due to be built in Toronto, with 750,000 Canadian dollars, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario; the Estonian government has so far not allocated a cent to the new centre, despite the political rhetoric on the importance of supporting the Estonian
Canada supports the new Estonian cultural centre in Toronto with C$750,000 Read More »
The BBC Music Magazine includes the Pärnu Music Festival and the Haapsalu Early Music Festival among the 29 best classical music festivals in Europe this year. The BBC Music Magazine said the two festivals from Estonia were among “the very best classical music festivals that you may want to grab tickets for”. “Seaside Pärnu isn’t
Two Estonian classical music festivals listed among the Europe’s best Read More »
Initiated by the renowned conductor Paavo Järvi, the Estonian “summer capital” hosts the Pärnu Music Festival from 12 to 21 July; Neeme Järvi, Paavo Järvi and Kristjan Järvi will conduct the high-profile concert programme, which was named one of Europe’s best classical music festivals by the BBC Music Magazine this year. Pärnu, the fourth largest
Pärnu hosts a world-class classical music festival Read More »
