Alle-aa is a significant ensemble from the recent past. The members of the group, led by Ando Kiviberg, were the founders of Viljandi Folk Music Festival and folk music camps for youngsters and children. Viljandi Folk Music Festival has become a major event that impresses every folk music friend from home and abroad. The children’s camps have developed into ETHNO Estonia and all the cosy summer and winter camps in different regions. Folk music has become a part of the younger generation’s daily life. Now the legendary band is coming back with a spectacular birthday programme to celebrate Viljandi Folk Music Festival’s big three-oh!
Artists
Alle-aa
Estonia
at - Kaevumägi
Ando & Friends
Various countries
at - Viljandi Song Festival Grounds
Viljandi Folk Music Festival is a musical meeting point of new and old friends. It’s a place of heartwarming reunions and fresh friendships. By the end of the festival, everyone has definitely found new favorites from the programme, that they would like to hear again. The traditional concert of Ando and friends is a chance to see all the old and new favorites one more time.The friends of the head of the festival Ando Kiviberg who take the Kaevumäe stage on the last evening of the festival and the songs they will play together will be revealed on the spot.
Angus
Estonia
at - Viljandi Song Festival Grounds
Angus is back at Viljandi Folk Music Festival with new ideas and of course their long-awaited fresh album. Reggae-train has more fuel and the steam rises high to the sky. The sun shines warmer than ever before and the smooth breeze cooling the air feels even nicer. Get ready – it’s the high summer with old friends and new companions. It's time to head in front of the stage because Angus is happy to pour their new notes and rhythms on you.
Let’s dance and sing together – like in the old days!
Let’s reggae!
Anton Ventsel - vocals, guitar
Elari Ennok - vocals, guitar
Mati Tubli - vocals, bass guitar
Tobias Tammearu - keyboards
Martin Petermann - drums
Tõnis Kirsipu - percussion
Lauri Kadalipp - vocals, saxophone
Johannes Kiik - trombone
Let’s dance and sing together – like in the old days!
Let’s reggae!
Anton Ventsel - vocals, guitar
Elari Ennok - vocals, guitar
Mati Tubli - vocals, bass guitar
Tobias Tammearu - keyboards
Martin Petermann - drums
Tõnis Kirsipu - percussion
Lauri Kadalipp - vocals, saxophone
Johannes Kiik - trombone
Cätlin Mägi and Viljandi Culture Academy bagpipe students
Estonia
at - I Kirsimägi
The plan was to invite famous bagpipe men Jakob Kilström, Tõnu Eslon and Jakob Ratsov from Kuusalu, Andres Metsniit from Muhu, Jaan Piht from Saaremaa and of course Juhan and Aleksander Maaker, the virtuosos from Hiiumaa to play at this year’s festival. However, it turned out that it’s 100 years too late for that. These bagpipe wizards can no longer give concerts but their music lives on in Cätlin Mägi and her bagpipe students of Viljandi Culture Academy.
At the concert you can hear old tunes that have made people dance for at least 150 years, alongside newer compositions from modern-day artists. So grab your earplugs and come listen to bagpipe music!
Cätlin Mägi - Estonian bagpipe, jew’s harp, vocals
Helery Kõrvemaa - Estonian bagpipe, jew’s harp, vocals
Kadri Allikmäe - Estonian bagpipe, jew’s harp, vocals
Karolin Übner - Estonian bagpipe, jew’s harp, vocals
Kerli Kislõi - Estonian bagpipe, jew’s harp, vocals
Merili Kask - Estonian bagpipe, jew’s harp, vocals
Susanna Viktoria Mõtsmees - Estonian bagpipe, jew’s harp, vocals
At the concert you can hear old tunes that have made people dance for at least 150 years, alongside newer compositions from modern-day artists. So grab your earplugs and come listen to bagpipe music!
Cätlin Mägi - Estonian bagpipe, jew’s harp, vocals
Helery Kõrvemaa - Estonian bagpipe, jew’s harp, vocals
Kadri Allikmäe - Estonian bagpipe, jew’s harp, vocals
Karolin Übner - Estonian bagpipe, jew’s harp, vocals
Kerli Kislõi - Estonian bagpipe, jew’s harp, vocals
Merili Kask - Estonian bagpipe, jew’s harp, vocals
Susanna Viktoria Mõtsmees - Estonian bagpipe, jew’s harp, vocals
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Djely Tapa
Mali/Canada
at - II Kirsimägi
at - I Kirsimägi
“I’m heading for the future with African heritage,” she told TV5 Monde early in 2019, speaking of her album “Barokan”. This Montréal-based griot, with her magnificent and powerful voice, worked on this album with Caleb Rimtobaye, alias AfrotoniX. The result is a bold, critically acclaimed production in which Mandinka traditions and desert blues billow pleasingly beneath a fascinating synthetic breeze. A daughter of griots, little Djely Tapa grew up with her grandmother in Kayes, a village in western Mali where she lived until age 11. A convinced feminist, Djely Tapa walked resolutely in her mother’s footsteps and, in her work as a female griot and singer, defended the place of black women in a modern egalitarian world.
“Barokan”, the singer’s first album, was produced by AfrotroniX on the Disques Nuits d’Afrique label and was released early in 2019 to immediate critical acclaim. The 11 songs pay tribute to the strength of African women and to youth, together with calls for the protection of water resources. The singer’s powerful voice is backed by auras of Sahel blues and electro sounds skilfully measured by AfrotoniX. The true essence of Mandinka Africa is revealed, with kora, guitar riffs and Malian percussions as well as female choirs.
“Barokan”, the singer’s first album, was produced by AfrotroniX on the Disques Nuits d’Afrique label and was released early in 2019 to immediate critical acclaim. The 11 songs pay tribute to the strength of African women and to youth, together with calls for the protection of water resources. The singer’s powerful voice is backed by auras of Sahel blues and electro sounds skilfully measured by AfrotoniX. The true essence of Mandinka Africa is revealed, with kora, guitar riffs and Malian percussions as well as female choirs.
EHALE
Estonia
at - I Kirsimägi
The sound of EHALE varies from an imaginative garden concert to fiery Irish hits. Music that’s both warm and liberating. Traditional dance tunes blend in with new ideas and unconventional approaches, the old is played in a new key. Three string instruments and a clarinet fuse into a unique entity, which is a delight for nerves and ears.
Aet Kubits - clarinet, vocals
Mathias Lantin - guitar, vocals
Hellika Otsar - violin, vocals
Mia Matilda Tammekun - violin, vocals
Aet Kubits - clarinet, vocals
Mathias Lantin - guitar, vocals
Hellika Otsar - violin, vocals
Mia Matilda Tammekun - violin, vocals
El Khat
Israel
at - Kaevumägi
El Khat is a homemade junkyard band led by multi-instrumentalist Eyal El Wahab. Named for the drug used so widely chewed across the Arab Peninsula, the band brings original compositions inspired by the music of the golden age in Aden, Yemen. El Wahab plays many instruments, like the dli and the Kearat that he constructed himself. It's something he started doing several years ago, using his skills to make music from the items people discard. A child of the Yemeni diaspora who's grown up in Tel Aviv Jaffa, Israel, it's a practice that harks back to the family homeland, where even rubbish can have become an instrument.
El Wahab has always been a man of invention. He talked his way into the Jerusalem Andalusian Orchestra as a cellist, self-taught from busking and unable to read music, learning the repertoire by ear as he went along, and picking up music theory. It gave him a strong foundation, but his world changed when he was given 'Qat, Coffee & Qambus: Raw 45s from Yemen' an LP of Yemeni traditional music from the 1960s. It came as an epiphany. He quit the orchestra, began building instruments and put together El Khat.
El Wahab has always been a man of invention. He talked his way into the Jerusalem Andalusian Orchestra as a cellist, self-taught from busking and unable to read music, learning the repertoire by ear as he went along, and picking up music theory. It gave him a strong foundation, but his world changed when he was given 'Qat, Coffee & Qambus: Raw 45s from Yemen' an LP of Yemeni traditional music from the 1960s. It came as an epiphany. He quit the orchestra, began building instruments and put together El Khat.
Estonian-Irish Song Power
Estonia/Ireland
at - Traditional Music Center
at - St. John's Church
Powerful Estonian women, Hanna-Reet Ruul and Anne-Mai Valk, are spending a year in Ireland, learning different music from around the world, focusing on Irish songs. Their teacher is Róisín Ní Ghallóglaigh, whose main focus is on women’s songs, views and expressions. On their journey together, they’ve discovered many interesting and unexpected similarities between Estonian and Irish traditional songs. This is what they want to share with everyone.
In their arrangements/creations, they like to stay true to traditions but still try to push boundaries by adding versatility and colours with electronic and acoustic music. They sing herding songs, dance and game songs and touching love songs in Estonian, English and Irish. Important keywords in their songs are femininity, playfulness and flow. All this is tied together by their voices in harmony, interesting arrangements and the power of strong women.
Anne-Mai Valk - vocals
Hanna-Reet Ruul - vocals, violin, guitar
Róisín Ní Ghallóglaigh - vocals, guitar
In their arrangements/creations, they like to stay true to traditions but still try to push boundaries by adding versatility and colours with electronic and acoustic music. They sing herding songs, dance and game songs and touching love songs in Estonian, English and Irish. Important keywords in their songs are femininity, playfulness and flow. All this is tied together by their voices in harmony, interesting arrangements and the power of strong women.
Anne-Mai Valk - vocals
Hanna-Reet Ruul - vocals, violin, guitar
Róisín Ní Ghallóglaigh - vocals, guitar
ETHNO Estonia 2023
Various countries
at - II Kirsimägi
ETHNO Estonia 2023 is an international music collective which consists of 70 young musicians from different parts of the world. Youngsters from Chile, England, USA, Sweden, Belgium, Norway, Germany, Finland and Estonia bring diversity to the setup. The collective is made up of different musicians every summer which is why their concerts are always intriguing, surprising and unique. Their repertoire is similarly diverse – traditional tunes and songs from different countries which they learn from each other during the 9-day music camp preceding the festival.
Vitality, energy and joy of playing music mix at every concert of ETHNO Estonia and give the audience a massive energy boost!
Vitality, energy and joy of playing music mix at every concert of ETHNO Estonia and give the audience a massive energy boost!
ETHNO Kids 2023
Estonia
at - Traditional Music Center
Kids Ethno 2023 is a traditional music group which consists of 30 talented young musicians and their 8 tutors. Children aged 12-16 learn traditional Estonian tunes and songs from each other during a week-long music camp and then perform these in front of the festival audience. Youthful energy and the joy of playing music meet at every Kids Ethno concert and will give everyone in the audience a powerful burst of energy!
Flook
Ireland/England
at - II Kirsimägi
at - II Kirsimägi
Taking inspiration from their roots in the Irish and English traditions, Flook have an enviable trademark sound, weaving and spinning traditionally rooted tunes over precise acoustic grooves, with a rare blend of fiery technical brilliance, delicate ensemble interaction and a bold, adventurous musical imagination. There is certainly no shortage of virtuosity amongst the members of Flook, but the unique impact of this band stems from the wholly intuitive, almost symbiotic, exchange between the various flutes, frets and skins.
Nearly twenty seven years after their first gig together, Flook continue to inspire and enchant audiences of all ages. Their most recent album ‘Ancora’, released in 2019 to critical acclaim and nominated for BBC Folk Album of the year, clearly demonstrates that, with their roots firmly anchored in the tradition, Flook still hold fast to their reputation as major musical innovators.
Brian Finnegan - whistles and flutes
Sarah Allen - flutes and accordion
Ed Boyd - guitar
John Joe Kelly - bodhrán
Nearly twenty seven years after their first gig together, Flook continue to inspire and enchant audiences of all ages. Their most recent album ‘Ancora’, released in 2019 to critical acclaim and nominated for BBC Folk Album of the year, clearly demonstrates that, with their roots firmly anchored in the tradition, Flook still hold fast to their reputation as major musical innovators.
Brian Finnegan - whistles and flutes
Sarah Allen - flutes and accordion
Ed Boyd - guitar
John Joe Kelly - bodhrán
Fylgja
Estonia
at - Viljandi Song Festival Grounds
Fylgja is a group of four fiery girls playing heavier folk music. They use folkloric texts and traditional melodies and spice things up with their own creations. Many of their tunes tell stories of young girls: for example of a lass called Mann who decided to leave the countryside and move to town, or two girls who struggle because they both love the same boy.
Kerli Kislõi - drums
Susanna Viktoria Mõtsmees - flute, bagpipe, vocals
Liina Tsimmer - electric guitar, vocals
Maria Mänd - bass guitar
Kerli Kislõi - drums
Susanna Viktoria Mõtsmees - flute, bagpipe, vocals
Liina Tsimmer - electric guitar, vocals
Maria Mänd - bass guitar
Góbé
Hungary
at - Viljandi Song Festival Grounds
Fusion folk from the Carpathian Basin – beyond any boundaries. The six-member formation was established in 2007, in Budapest, Hungary. The word “Góbé” means “a man with a twisted mind”. They have used authentic folk music in a daring and experimental way right from the beginning. The members completed their studies at the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music so their range of tools includes classical, folk and popular music alike. Over the last 15 years the band has travelled the whole Carpathian Basin and half of Europe. At the same time, they have appeared on almost every Hungarian popular music platform during their more than 1000 concerts. They have always been keen to explore new scenes other than the world of festivals and clubs, for example theatre, circus, dance theatre and film scores. Wherever they have their concerts, eras, styles and tastes encounter while crowds immerse themselves in dance.
Várai Áron - lead singer, bagpipe, whistles, percussion
Rigó Márton - violin, viola, guitar, vocals
Vizeli Máté - viola, violin, guitar, kobza, vocals
Egervári Mátyás - hammered dulcimer, viola-tambura, hurdy-gurdy, bagpipes, whistles, flute, schalmei Hegyi Zoltán - double bass, bass guitar
Czupi Áron - drums, percussion, vocals
Góbé is brought to Viljandi Folk Music Festival in co-operation with Liszt Institute and Hungarian Cultural Center Tallinn.
Várai Áron - lead singer, bagpipe, whistles, percussion
Rigó Márton - violin, viola, guitar, vocals
Vizeli Máté - viola, violin, guitar, kobza, vocals
Egervári Mátyás - hammered dulcimer, viola-tambura, hurdy-gurdy, bagpipes, whistles, flute, schalmei Hegyi Zoltán - double bass, bass guitar
Czupi Áron - drums, percussion, vocals
Góbé is brought to Viljandi Folk Music Festival in co-operation with Liszt Institute and Hungarian Cultural Center Tallinn.
Haldi Välimäe
Estonia
at - Jaak Johanson Stage, Tallinna 5, Viljandi
Haldi Välimäe is a young musician, songwriter and producer. Her debut album “Raba” was released when Haldi was only 16 years old in collaboration with Vaiko Eplik and Jakob Juhkam. The title track was also performed at the XX Dance Festival “Minu arm” back in 2019. In the summer of 2021, Haldi released her second album, “Taevalaed”, with the debut single “Suudlus” that brought her together with the winner of the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest, Portuguese singer-songwriter Salvador Sobral. As it happened, the two performed last year in Alexela’s Concert Hall together, singing the song both in Portuguese and Estonian. The author of the melody is Salvador’s sister, Luisa Sobral, and the Estonian lyrics are written by Haldi herself. Haldi also is known to give exciting solo performances all over Estonia and was a radio presenter for the radio series “Fantaasia” at Klassikaraadio.
A compilation album “Marynile / For Maryn”, dedicated to Marju Marynel Kuut was released in February 2023. The project was led by Haldi.
A compilation album “Marynile / For Maryn”, dedicated to Marju Marynel Kuut was released in February 2023. The project was led by Haldi.
Harry Bent, Dave Murphy & Friends
England
at - Jaak Johanson Stage, Tallinna 5, Viljandi
Harry came to Estonia in 1985 as a soloist of Korkkijalka. The band was an important part of the wave of Irish culture in Finland that started at that time, but also of the new revival of Finnish traditional music. The musicians were also skilled players and teachers of Finnish folk music. An architect by profession, Harry started teaching Irish singing at the Sibelius Academy in addition to making bands.
The warm connection with the Johansons, which was formed during the trip to Tallinn, was not broken, and Harry and another Irish poet and musician Dave Murphy, who lived in Finland at the time, have remained frequent guests in Estonia. In 1993, the duo was the first foreign collective at the first Viljandi festival.
In imagination, Jaak Johanson is also on stage – why and what he sang and what we sang with him is still there. In our ears, fingers and hearts.
The warm connection with the Johansons, which was formed during the trip to Tallinn, was not broken, and Harry and another Irish poet and musician Dave Murphy, who lived in Finland at the time, have remained frequent guests in Estonia. In 1993, the duo was the first foreign collective at the first Viljandi festival.
In imagination, Jaak Johanson is also on stage – why and what he sang and what we sang with him is still there. In our ears, fingers and hearts.
Heino Tartes & Friends
Estonia
at - I Kirsimägi
Heino Tartes ja Sõbrad (Heino Tartes and friends) is a folk music group that has been active since 1985. They have played everywhere in Estonia. You can meet them at birthday parties, concerts, village parties, fairs, midsummer and Christmas celebrations and weddings. They have also represented Estonian folk music many times abroad.
Musicians’ number one inspiration is Estonian aka Teppo-style diatonic accordion, which is unique worldwide. The diatonic accordion is also appreciated all over Estonia as a party and concert instrument.
Estonian accordion maestro Heino Tartes has many friends and the members of the band have changed over time, but the music and Heino himself have stayed the same.
At the concert they will play old classic folk songs and newer less-known tunes.
Heino Tartes - Estonian diatonic accordion
Kalev Kreegipuu - accordion
Tõnis Tartes - guitar
Rein Kinkar - mandolin
Musicians’ number one inspiration is Estonian aka Teppo-style diatonic accordion, which is unique worldwide. The diatonic accordion is also appreciated all over Estonia as a party and concert instrument.
Estonian accordion maestro Heino Tartes has many friends and the members of the band have changed over time, but the music and Heino himself have stayed the same.
At the concert they will play old classic folk songs and newer less-known tunes.
Heino Tartes - Estonian diatonic accordion
Kalev Kreegipuu - accordion
Tõnis Tartes - guitar
Rein Kinkar - mandolin
HUIK
Estonia
at - Kaevumägi
Experienced folk festival wolves DJ Harletno and Kulno Malva have been making music together semi-secretly for years. Beat machines meet whirligigs and whistles, bagpipe and accordion. Totally danceable, but also deep and moving. Huik’s range includes both interpretations of traditional music and original tunes hatched by the two men.
Harlet Orasmaa - beats, sound design, effects
Kulno Malva - accordion, bagpipe, vocals, ocarina, whirligig and other instruments
Harlet Orasmaa - beats, sound design, effects
Kulno Malva - accordion, bagpipe, vocals, ocarina, whirligig and other instruments
InBoil
Estonia
at - Jaak Johanson Stage, Tallinna 5, Viljandi
Andrus Rootsmäe alias inBoil is a poet, musician and warrior. He has played in groups Jäääär and InBoiler. He has studied in Treffner School, conservatory, University of Tartu, Vanemuine Drama Studio and Children’s Theatre of Tartu and worked in the Theatre Vanemuine, Defence Forces of Estonia and University of Tartu. Since 1990 he has been an active member of the Tartu brigade of the Defence League.
Int & Müller
Estonia
at - Viljandi Song Festival Grounds
“Uus p(L)aat”, the debut album of Int & Müller, was in the making for a long time and is now ready to unfold in front of the festival audience.
Asso Int and Martin Müller are two very good friends and even better accordion players whose passion is to make people happy with live folk music.
Their debut album is full of old and forgotten tunes and also well-known pieces. It includes tunes taught by Martin’s grandmother from Miila village, Virumaa, and songs from Asso’s grandmother, who lived in Narva-Jõesuu.
The title track of the album is “Uus paat” (“New boat”) by Debora Vaarandi and Valter Ojakäär – a song that Asso Int and Martin Müller have played since the beginning of making music together.
In 2022, the two men celebrated their 15th year of playing together with the release of their debut album!
Asso Int - Estonian diatonic accordion, vocals
Martin Müller - Estonian diatonic accordion, vocals
Asso Int and Martin Müller are two very good friends and even better accordion players whose passion is to make people happy with live folk music.
Their debut album is full of old and forgotten tunes and also well-known pieces. It includes tunes taught by Martin’s grandmother from Miila village, Virumaa, and songs from Asso’s grandmother, who lived in Narva-Jõesuu.
The title track of the album is “Uus paat” (“New boat”) by Debora Vaarandi and Valter Ojakäär – a song that Asso Int and Martin Müller have played since the beginning of making music together.
In 2022, the two men celebrated their 15th year of playing together with the release of their debut album!
Asso Int - Estonian diatonic accordion, vocals
Martin Müller - Estonian diatonic accordion, vocals
Jaak Tuksam and Ain Agan
Estonia
at - Jaak Johanson Stage, Tallinna 5, Viljandi
Legendary singer-songwriter Jaak Tuksam and one of the best known jazz guitarists in Entonia Ain Agan will take the stage. They will play songs that are mainly based on texts by Estonian poets and loved by many, but also some more recent tunes.
Tuksam and Agan share a long-term friendship and have had many concerts together over the years. Their last public performance was in Hopner House, recording an episode of Radio Night University. The evening was led by their old friend and stage partner Jaak Johanson. And this summer the two musicians will meet again at the stage named after Jaak.
Jaak Tuksam - vocals, guitar
Ain Agan - guitar
Tuksam and Agan share a long-term friendship and have had many concerts together over the years. Their last public performance was in Hopner House, recording an episode of Radio Night University. The evening was led by their old friend and stage partner Jaak Johanson. And this summer the two musicians will meet again at the stage named after Jaak.
Jaak Tuksam - vocals, guitar
Ain Agan - guitar
Júlia Kozáková
Slovakia
at - Kaevumägi
at - I Kirsimägi
Júlia Kozáková presents her debut album Manuša, which tracks old traditional Roma (Gypsy) songs and their stories from Slovakia and Central Europe. Her voice is accompanied by a traditional cimbalom band composed of some of the most recognized Roma musicians from Slovakia. These songs are a crucial part of the Roma people and their cultural identity.
Júlia is a world music singer who has recently finished bachelor Music studies at School of Oriental and African Studies in London and now she continues studying jazz music at JAMU in Brno (Czech republic). She collaborated with the Roma in Slovakia to develop an authentic voice within this tradition. Her vocal style is described as immersive and empathic and her performance as genuine and authentic.
Júlia Kozáková - vocals
Viliam Didiáš - violin
Ľubomír Gašpar - cimbalom
Vojtech “Bélu” Botoš - viola
Ján Rigo - double bass
Zsolt Várady - guitar
Júlia is a world music singer who has recently finished bachelor Music studies at School of Oriental and African Studies in London and now she continues studying jazz music at JAMU in Brno (Czech republic). She collaborated with the Roma in Slovakia to develop an authentic voice within this tradition. Her vocal style is described as immersive and empathic and her performance as genuine and authentic.
Júlia Kozáková - vocals
Viliam Didiáš - violin
Ľubomír Gašpar - cimbalom
Vojtech “Bélu” Botoš - viola
Ján Rigo - double bass
Zsolt Várady - guitar
Kaisa Kuslapuu Trio
Estonia
at - Traditional Music Center
What to do when you love playing the piano more than anything? Form a piano trio, of course!
This group grew out of the creative process surrounding the release of Kaisa Kuslapuu’s solo EP “Heinast Hobu” in 2022. She approaches the keyboard instrument in a minimalistic way and looks for a clever and good flow when playing folk music. You might even say playing with the folk music, because improvisation is Kaisa’s first language. The two main focus points of the programme are the traditional music of South Estonia and improvisation. On the one hand it’s a flashback to her childhood in Võru, on the other hand a wish to stay in honest present through music: the vibrating piano string has its own life between the striking hammer and the muffling felt, where it is in its power to create solemnity, anticipation, ease, sorrow, apathy, yearning and the deepest joy of the heart.
Kaisa Kuslapuu - piano, vocals
Meelis Pihlap - bass guitar
Tõnis Kirsipu - percussion
This group grew out of the creative process surrounding the release of Kaisa Kuslapuu’s solo EP “Heinast Hobu” in 2022. She approaches the keyboard instrument in a minimalistic way and looks for a clever and good flow when playing folk music. You might even say playing with the folk music, because improvisation is Kaisa’s first language. The two main focus points of the programme are the traditional music of South Estonia and improvisation. On the one hand it’s a flashback to her childhood in Võru, on the other hand a wish to stay in honest present through music: the vibrating piano string has its own life between the striking hammer and the muffling felt, where it is in its power to create solemnity, anticipation, ease, sorrow, apathy, yearning and the deepest joy of the heart.
Kaisa Kuslapuu - piano, vocals
Meelis Pihlap - bass guitar
Tõnis Kirsipu - percussion
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Kandlelumm
Estonia
at - Traditional Music Center
“Kandlelumm” (“The magic of kannel”) is a concert programme with five Estonian musicians whose everyday world is strongly influenced by kannel.
The concert varies in sound and style, with different kannels from chromatic kannel to psaltery, instruments and tunes from old masters, improvisations and soundscapes. Traditional is alongside medieval, rural next to noble, all that with many musical nuances and big sound arrays.
Anna-Liisa Eller is an internationally active kannel player and teacher. She has recorded under the labels of ECM and Harmonia Mundi. She is one of the most demanded performers in Estonia who plays very different styles, mainly on chromatic kannel.
Pille Karras is an experienced kannel player and teacher. She has played in different ensembles, studied old kannel playing styles and compiled educational materials for kannel players.
Kertu-Liis Õnnis is a young and outstanding kannel enthusiast who takes interest in different styles, is constantly learning new things and composing music. In 2022, she won the award of the best kannel student.
Toivo Tähemaa is a fan of kannel music and an instrument maker. He is a professor of technology in TalTech and has been playing music his whole life. He has developed many instrument supplements for kannel players. He plays different instruments in different bands.
Tarmo Kivisilla is a university teacher and musician. One of his favorite instruments is päkarauakannel. He works with folk dancers and is busy with several folk music projects (including mapping the kannel players, school concerts etc).
The concert varies in sound and style, with different kannels from chromatic kannel to psaltery, instruments and tunes from old masters, improvisations and soundscapes. Traditional is alongside medieval, rural next to noble, all that with many musical nuances and big sound arrays.
Anna-Liisa Eller is an internationally active kannel player and teacher. She has recorded under the labels of ECM and Harmonia Mundi. She is one of the most demanded performers in Estonia who plays very different styles, mainly on chromatic kannel.
Pille Karras is an experienced kannel player and teacher. She has played in different ensembles, studied old kannel playing styles and compiled educational materials for kannel players.
Kertu-Liis Õnnis is a young and outstanding kannel enthusiast who takes interest in different styles, is constantly learning new things and composing music. In 2022, she won the award of the best kannel student.
Toivo Tähemaa is a fan of kannel music and an instrument maker. He is a professor of technology in TalTech and has been playing music his whole life. He has developed many instrument supplements for kannel players. He plays different instruments in different bands.
Tarmo Kivisilla is a university teacher and musician. One of his favorite instruments is päkarauakannel. He works with folk dancers and is busy with several folk music projects (including mapping the kannel players, school concerts etc).
Kärt Johanson and Robert Jürjendal
Estonia
at - Traditional Music Center
In 2004, Kärt Johanson and Robert Jürjendal released an album together entitled “Seitse une nägu” which was critically acclaimed both in Estonia and abroad. Their music is a meeting point of runo songs and live electronics, which entwine at times, collide at times, dwell in the same room and support each other and then go their separate ways again.
People don’t really know how to sing runo songs anymore. They are like dreams that are so close, but you can’t really remember … Then you begin to recall and see and sometimes even understand, little by little … These are your dreams and no one else in the world has those dreams.
Kärt Johanson and Robert Jürjendal are happy to get together again to celebrate the 30th birthday of Viljandi Folk Music Festival and dive into this world again, with the same songs. But the dreams are new …
Kärt Johanson is an Estonian singer/musician with acting background, who has worked with different Estonian and Irish groups and musicians (Johanson ja Vennad, Riho Sibul, Tõnis Mägi, Taavi Kerikmäe, Seán Garvey and others). She has released four solo albums.
Robert Jürjendal is a guitarist/composer who has worked with many Estonian and foreign ensembles and artists (Weekend Guitar Trio, Fragile, Uma, Tõnis Mägi, Riho Sibul, Colin Edwin, Arve Henriksen and others). He has also written music for choirs (Girls’ Choir Ellerhein, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Collegium Musicale). He has collaborated on more than 60 albums and has released four solo records.
People don’t really know how to sing runo songs anymore. They are like dreams that are so close, but you can’t really remember … Then you begin to recall and see and sometimes even understand, little by little … These are your dreams and no one else in the world has those dreams.
Kärt Johanson and Robert Jürjendal are happy to get together again to celebrate the 30th birthday of Viljandi Folk Music Festival and dive into this world again, with the same songs. But the dreams are new …
Kärt Johanson is an Estonian singer/musician with acting background, who has worked with different Estonian and Irish groups and musicians (Johanson ja Vennad, Riho Sibul, Tõnis Mägi, Taavi Kerikmäe, Seán Garvey and others). She has released four solo albums.
Robert Jürjendal is a guitarist/composer who has worked with many Estonian and foreign ensembles and artists (Weekend Guitar Trio, Fragile, Uma, Tõnis Mägi, Riho Sibul, Colin Edwin, Arve Henriksen and others). He has also written music for choirs (Girls’ Choir Ellerhein, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Collegium Musicale). He has collaborated on more than 60 albums and has released four solo records.
Kert Krüsban
Estonia
at - I Kirsimägi
Kert Krüsban has played the Estonian diatonic accordion since 2005. He learned his first tricks from a band called Lahemaa Rahwamuusikud. He continued his studies in Heino Eller Tartu Music College and graduated from college in 2019. In November 2022 he was awarded with the title of Vabariigi Pillimees (an award for the best solo musician in Estonia). At the festival he will play songs and tunes that have stayed with him through all these different times, and some of his original compositions.
Kert Krüsban - diatonic accordion
Kert Krüsban - diatonic accordion
Kertu-Liis Õnnis
Estonia
at - Traditional Music Center
Kertu-Liis is a young folk musician who loves to explore the archaic sound and playing styles of kannel (Estonian zither), to entwine them gently around new musical influences and exciting techniques. Her main goal is to make the tunes she plays her own.
At the concert, you will hear Estonian, Finno-Ugric and Swedish traditional music arrangements for 14-string väikekannel. The versatile programme has a crispy Nordic character with the melancholic hum of the woods and touch of polkas played by her great-grandfather Felix Ritso. The echo of the wistful improvisational tunes reflects Estonian way of thinking and wanders off to faraway Ural Mountains. You can clearly feel the respect for our tradition and love for her kannel in Kertu-Liis’s music.
At the concert, you will hear Estonian, Finno-Ugric and Swedish traditional music arrangements for 14-string väikekannel. The versatile programme has a crispy Nordic character with the melancholic hum of the woods and touch of polkas played by her great-grandfather Felix Ritso. The echo of the wistful improvisational tunes reflects Estonian way of thinking and wanders off to faraway Ural Mountains. You can clearly feel the respect for our tradition and love for her kannel in Kertu-Liis’s music.
Le Diable à Cinq
Canada
at - II Kirsimägi
at - II Kirsimägi
Le Diable à Cinq is a promising young traditional music band from the Outaouais region (Quebec). Inspired by the traditional pieces of their hometown, the band offers an array of lively and entertaining pieces that sets fire to all stages. With a dazzling and dynamic stage presence, the five musicians radiate with an energetic, warm and definitely unifying sound which captivates all spectators.
Éloi Gagnon-Sabourin - piano, vocals
Félix Sabourin - accordion, vocals
Rémi Pagé - violin, mandolin, foot percussion, vocals
Samuel Sabourin - Banjo, violin, voice
André-Michel Dambremont - guitar, voice
Éloi Gagnon-Sabourin - piano, vocals
Félix Sabourin - accordion, vocals
Rémi Pagé - violin, mandolin, foot percussion, vocals
Samuel Sabourin - Banjo, violin, voice
André-Michel Dambremont - guitar, voice
Leik and Andre Maaker
Estonia
at - Kaevumägi
Violin and vocals duo Leik and versatile and acknowledged guitar virtuoso Andre Maaker join forces on the stage to create a fresh, energetic and warm atmosphere. They will gather up and dust off all their old and new favourite tunes to celebrate the festival’s 30th birthday. Their music includes original compositions, traditional tunes and songs inspired by the crispy west coast of Estonia and occasional picks from abroad.
Elina Kasesalu - violin, vocal
Kelly Veinberg - violin, viola, vocal
Andre Maaker - guitar
Elina Kasesalu - violin, vocal
Kelly Veinberg - violin, viola, vocal
Andre Maaker - guitar
Lõõtsavägilased and Lõõtsanøøbid
Estonia
at - Viljandi Song Festival Grounds
Lõõtsavägilased was launched in December, 2013 when Margus Põldsepp put together a group of students who had studied accordion in his class (Andres Eelmaa, Rasmus Kadaja and Tobias Tae). He wanted the students to get some experience and get to know what it feels like playing in a band. After that, the band started developing very quickly so what started out as a small project became something a lot bigger. For the first year, the band was called the Accordion Band from Karksi-Nuia Music School but they soon changed their name to Lõõtsavägilased (“Accordion heroes” in Estonian).
During the first few years, they had four accordions on the stage but in 2017, the soloist Andres Eelmaa swapped his main instrument to a bass guitar to add a different hue to their music. In January 2019, Ott-Mait Põldsepp who plays the guitar and the mandolin joined the band. Lõõtsavägilased play mainly traditional music but they don’t shy away from other genres as well.
They have performed at all the larger folk festivals in Estonia, collaborated with Untsakad, Zetod, Jaan Pehk, Hardi Volmer and Metsatöll and won several awards.
Rasmus Kadaja - Estonian diatonic accordion, garmon, vocals
Tobias Tae - Estonian diatonic accordion, garmon, vocals
Andres Eelmaa - bass guitar, vocals
Ott-Mait Põldsepp - acoustic guitar, electric guitar, vocals
Margus Põldsepp - Estonian diatonic accordion, garmon, vocals
Lõõtsanøøbid is another quality product from the folk band factory called Karski-Nuia Music School. The band consists of five friends who could all easily entertain a village party as solo players. Their range of different instruments is really impressive, from saxophone to piano. The band was born two years ago and they have had more than thirty performances since then. They play a lot in their home region, Mulgimaa, where the young musicians are already in high demand. In the autumn of 2022, a renowned Estonian diatonic accordion player Rasmus Kadaja joined Margus Põldsepp as the boys’ tutor. Lõõtsanøøbid participated in a big project to support Ukrainians, alongside many Estonian folk musicians and bands, like Untsakad, Lõõtsavägilased and Metsatöll. The video of that project can be found on Youtube under “Ukraina Sõjahümn”. Lately they’ve included more songs to their repertoire, in addition to instrumental tunes, because the experience shows that good singing helps to win the audience’s heart!
Juhan Koppel - Estonian diatonic accordion, garmon, vocals
Andro Ojakäär - Estonian diatonic accordion, garmon, ukulele, vocals
Brait Pärnik - Estonian diatonic accordion, garmon, vocals
Kaspar Jassik - bass guitar
Kaupo Leon - acoustic guitar, vocals
During the first few years, they had four accordions on the stage but in 2017, the soloist Andres Eelmaa swapped his main instrument to a bass guitar to add a different hue to their music. In January 2019, Ott-Mait Põldsepp who plays the guitar and the mandolin joined the band. Lõõtsavägilased play mainly traditional music but they don’t shy away from other genres as well.
They have performed at all the larger folk festivals in Estonia, collaborated with Untsakad, Zetod, Jaan Pehk, Hardi Volmer and Metsatöll and won several awards.
Rasmus Kadaja - Estonian diatonic accordion, garmon, vocals
Tobias Tae - Estonian diatonic accordion, garmon, vocals
Andres Eelmaa - bass guitar, vocals
Ott-Mait Põldsepp - acoustic guitar, electric guitar, vocals
Margus Põldsepp - Estonian diatonic accordion, garmon, vocals
Lõõtsanøøbid is another quality product from the folk band factory called Karski-Nuia Music School. The band consists of five friends who could all easily entertain a village party as solo players. Their range of different instruments is really impressive, from saxophone to piano. The band was born two years ago and they have had more than thirty performances since then. They play a lot in their home region, Mulgimaa, where the young musicians are already in high demand. In the autumn of 2022, a renowned Estonian diatonic accordion player Rasmus Kadaja joined Margus Põldsepp as the boys’ tutor. Lõõtsanøøbid participated in a big project to support Ukrainians, alongside many Estonian folk musicians and bands, like Untsakad, Lõõtsavägilased and Metsatöll. The video of that project can be found on Youtube under “Ukraina Sõjahümn”. Lately they’ve included more songs to their repertoire, in addition to instrumental tunes, because the experience shows that good singing helps to win the audience’s heart!
Juhan Koppel - Estonian diatonic accordion, garmon, vocals
Andro Ojakäär - Estonian diatonic accordion, garmon, ukulele, vocals
Brait Pärnik - Estonian diatonic accordion, garmon, vocals
Kaspar Jassik - bass guitar
Kaupo Leon - acoustic guitar, vocals
Loten Namling
Tibet
at - Viljandi Song Festival Grounds
at - Kaevumägi
For a long time Tibetan singer «Loten Namling» carried the wish to bring Tibetan freedom songs to the western world. Tibetans in Tibet risk their lifes to sing these songs. Many of them are in prison for simply asking for basic human rights and the return of the Dalai Lama!
With Mik Keusen (piano), Philipp Moll (bass) and Muso Stamm (drums) they where lucky to find the perfect companions to complete this extra ordinary TIBETAN -SWISS band Porok Karpo, thus fulfilling the vision of Loten Namling.
Porok Karpo’s music is both raw and filigree, where intimate sceneries lead to powerfull episodes. The raw rhythmic fundament by drums and bass combined with evolving piano & guitar patterns bulid the landscape in which singer Loten Namling tells the story of the the Tibetan people and their struggle to lead a self-determined life.
LØYLY Orchestra
Estonia/Finland/Denmark/Sweden
at - I Kirsimägi
at - I Kirsimägi
Løyly Orchestra [löülü orkestra] aka deep dive into the polka tradition of the people by the Baltic Sea.
This international steam orchestra will throw all the nicest nuances of Estonian, Finnish, Danish and Swedish polkas to the sauna stove and is warm-heartedly waiting for everyone to join in the whisking!
Most of the band met in 2022 at NordTrad folk music conference where, once again, a legendary polka playing contest was held. Back then everyone represented their home country but now they have joined the forces and play without the competition element. Although polkas take up most of the group's repertoire, they still make room for other dance tunes and for honoring the nuances and twists of different polka styles.
Long live the polkas!
Kaisa Kuslapuu - piano
Regina Mänd - violin
Marie Hamborg - violin
Albin Myrin - clarinet
Timmy Gasslander - guitar
Nicolaj Wamberg - double bass
Pauliina Kauppila - percussions
This international steam orchestra will throw all the nicest nuances of Estonian, Finnish, Danish and Swedish polkas to the sauna stove and is warm-heartedly waiting for everyone to join in the whisking!
Most of the band met in 2022 at NordTrad folk music conference where, once again, a legendary polka playing contest was held. Back then everyone represented their home country but now they have joined the forces and play without the competition element. Although polkas take up most of the group's repertoire, they still make room for other dance tunes and for honoring the nuances and twists of different polka styles.
Long live the polkas!
Kaisa Kuslapuu - piano
Regina Mänd - violin
Marie Hamborg - violin
Albin Myrin - clarinet
Timmy Gasslander - guitar
Nicolaj Wamberg - double bass
Pauliina Kauppila - percussions
MANDOTERROR
Estonia
at - I Kirsimägi
MANDOTERROR is a five-member folk-heavy group, where mandolin meets northern gloom. In 2021, the band released their debut album “Kodumaa laantes” that won the Estonian pop music award Golden Disc and the annual award of the Cultural Endowment of Estonia for great musical achievements.
Kristjan Kuusmik - vocals, guitar
Peeter Priks - vocals, guitar
Tanel Sakrits - mandolin
Veli Rooger - drums
Aap Odres - bass guitar
Kristjan Kuusmik - vocals, guitar
Peeter Priks - vocals, guitar
Tanel Sakrits - mandolin
Veli Rooger - drums
Aap Odres - bass guitar
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Mari Kalkun
Estonia
at - Kaevumägi
Mari Kalkun is a charismatic singer and composer with a unique style. She has had solo concerts in most European countries and in Japan and has attracted a lot of international media attention. In July 2023, she will release her third long-awaited solo album that will gift the listeners with old Estonian myths and contemporary Võro poetry which are flown straight to the hotspot of the troubles of today’s world by Kalkun’s individual sound and storytelling.
The focus point of the album “Stoonia lood” is the relationship between man and nature. Ancient and living traditions meet in the new programme. Several song lyrics are freshly written by contemporary Estonian and Võro poets and by Kalkun herself. The title “Stoonia lood” (“Stories of Stoonia” in Estonian) refers to the mythical creation of umwelt, with words and sounds. The organic symbiosis between Mari’s voice and sounds of kannel, piano and electronics creates epic soundscapes that take the listeners on a journey to a completely different time and space.
The co-producer of the album is a well-known British musician Sam Lee and the album is released under the acclaimed label of Real World Records (UK).
Mari Kalkun - vocals, kannels, piano, electronics, drum
Nathan Riki Thomson - prepared double bass
The focus point of the album “Stoonia lood” is the relationship between man and nature. Ancient and living traditions meet in the new programme. Several song lyrics are freshly written by contemporary Estonian and Võro poets and by Kalkun herself. The title “Stoonia lood” (“Stories of Stoonia” in Estonian) refers to the mythical creation of umwelt, with words and sounds. The organic symbiosis between Mari’s voice and sounds of kannel, piano and electronics creates epic soundscapes that take the listeners on a journey to a completely different time and space.
The co-producer of the album is a well-known British musician Sam Lee and the album is released under the acclaimed label of Real World Records (UK).
Mari Kalkun - vocals, kannels, piano, electronics, drum
Nathan Riki Thomson - prepared double bass
Minu Isa Oli Ausus Ise
Estonia
at - Kaevumägi
Minu Isa Oli Ausus Ise was born in 1990 when both Margo and Gaute were studying directing in Viljandi Culture School. The band is well-known for their humorous performances at Viljandi Folk Music Festival. They even gave a concert at the very first festival, in 1993! They split up in the same year but got back together a year later and are still going strong today. And they are not planning to miss Viljandi Folk Music Festival’s 30th birthday celebrations!
Margo Mitt alias Eino Süggu
Gaute Kivistik alias Einar Süggu
Margo Mitt alias Eino Süggu
Gaute Kivistik alias Einar Süggu
Naised köögis
Estonia
at - Viljandi Song Festival Grounds
Naised Köögis (“Women in the Kitchen”), founded ten years ago in Viljandi, are celebrating their anniversary! With these 10 years they’ve toured everywhere in Estonia, accompanied by the chirping crickets, swum in countless lakes and bays, created new songs in kitchens and on farm terraces, dug out vehicles that were snowed in during concerts, spoken to hundreds of people from the audience and listened to their stories after the performances, shared their songs in rain, storm and at the peak of a heatwave, in trouble and in joy, pregnant and in one piece. Drawing inspiration from the old village singers’ sharp tongues, many of their songs were born as an immediate reaction and reflection to what is happening in our society and as a different perspective to the world around us, here and now. This year, to throw a proper party, the ladies will invite good musician friends to join them and play songs from their last album” Kordub kõik all päikese” (“Everything Repeats Under The Sun”), alongside good old hits. Let the soul sing and songs resound!
Kristiina Ehin - vocals, garmon
Katrin Laidre - vocals, garmon, ukulele, bass
Sofia Joons Gylling - vocals, violin, drum
Kairi Leivo - vocals, bass
Kristiina Ehin - vocals, garmon
Katrin Laidre - vocals, garmon, ukulele, bass
Sofia Joons Gylling - vocals, violin, drum
Kairi Leivo - vocals, bass
Paabel
Estonia
at - II Kirsimägi
The legendary post-postmodern folk fusion group Paabel, that broke up six years ago, will give one unique concert this summer, as a tribute to Viljandi Folk Music Festival and its audience. All the most important songs and tunes invented by this eclectic and creative gang will be included. So put your dancing shoes on and let’s party!
Sandra Vabarna - bagpipe, vocals
Arno Tamm - acoustic guitar, vocals
Jaan Jaago - electric guitar
Tanel Kadalipp - double bass
Tõnu Tubli - drums
Sandra Vabarna - bagpipe, vocals
Arno Tamm - acoustic guitar, vocals
Jaan Jaago - electric guitar
Tanel Kadalipp - double bass
Tõnu Tubli - drums
Pärt Uusberg “Regiväli”
Estonia
at - Baptist Church
“Regiväli” is an 8-part masterpiece for mixed choir and string orchestra. It is based on different runo songs. This 50-minute piece can be perceived as a free journey in the footsteps of our ancestors, but it also gives the listeners a chance to follow a multi-layered narrative with a recruit as the main character in the heart of it. Although the war is once again a relevant topic, a recruit can also be compared to a man faced with temporality in a wider sense. The status of a recruit can be set side by side with the inevitability of being mortal – therefore the fate of each and every one of us. This masterpiece has been in the making for four years and has at last found its way on paper. Pärt Uusberg says thanks to: Urmas Kalla, Celia Roose, Janika Oras, Taive Särg, Kärt Johanson.
Rahu The Fool
Latvia
at - I Kirsimägi
at - I Kirsimägi
Rahu The Fool is a music band that performs music inspired by grandfathers stories of love and war, about the seas and meadows of our countryside, as well as other things long forgotten. It can be classified as folk music, with sparkles of jazz, avant-garde, bluegrass, and world music. Rahu the Fool is a group that performs traditional folk songs, world music and dances from all over the world, immersive stories, ragtime, jazz, sea shanties, baltic dances, and popular song interpretations in a folk manner. Rahu the Fool is one of a kind in terms of honest, authentic musical performance. They bring together the life of old times with the bright moments of present affairs.
The band was founded four years ago and is currently performing at national and international festivals and venues. Rahu The Fool consists of five musicians and every one of them is an integral part of the whole.
Pēteris Narubins - lead vocals, acoustic guitar, mandolin, harmonica, stompbox
Benny Goldsmith - vocals, soprano saxophone, ukulele
Jāzeps Podnieks - vocals, washboard, ukulele, flute, harmonica
Lauma Bērza - vocals, violin, percussions
Evita Bambāne - vocals, double bass
The band was founded four years ago and is currently performing at national and international festivals and venues. Rahu The Fool consists of five musicians and every one of them is an integral part of the whole.
Pēteris Narubins - lead vocals, acoustic guitar, mandolin, harmonica, stompbox
Benny Goldsmith - vocals, soprano saxophone, ukulele
Jāzeps Podnieks - vocals, washboard, ukulele, flute, harmonica
Lauma Bērza - vocals, violin, percussions
Evita Bambāne - vocals, double bass
Regisong podcast
Estonia
at - Traditional Music Center
Regisong podcast is a series of podcasts created by Estonian Traditional Music Center in collaboration with Estonian Literary Museum’s Estonian Folklore Archives and many enthusiasts. The first season of Regisong podcast was brought to the listeners on 27th July 2020 and by the time of XXX Viljandi Folk Music Festival, it has already four seasons of episodes – forty runo songs with background stories from brilliant performers and great thinkers. The series has won several awards so it is safe to say that this old kind of poetry still touches Estonians’ hearts, it’s appreciated and noticed.
We bring this old world even closer with an extraordinary opportunity to experience the podcast live, sing along and contemplate. The songs are performed by Kuraga Mari from Kihnu, Celia Roose and Meelika Hainsoo from Võrumaa, Urmas Kalla whose roots are in Räpina and Lauri Õunapuu who opens the background of the songs alongside writer and wonderful storyteller Indrek Koff.
We bring this old world even closer with an extraordinary opportunity to experience the podcast live, sing along and contemplate. The songs are performed by Kuraga Mari from Kihnu, Celia Roose and Meelika Hainsoo from Võrumaa, Urmas Kalla whose roots are in Räpina and Lauri Õunapuu who opens the background of the songs alongside writer and wonderful storyteller Indrek Koff.
Ross Daly Trio
Greece
at - St. John's Church
at - Traditional Music Center
Ross Daly together with his fellow musicians, will present a program that includes his own compositions belonging to the genre "Contemporary Modal Music". These compositions reflect his long journey through the broader range of musical traditions of Modal Music that extends geographically from Northwest Africa to India. Although of Irish descent, Ross Daly does not really fit into any particular ethnic stereotype given that his life has been spent in many different parts of the world and his home for more than 35 years has been the island of Crete in Greece. Ross Daly has traveled the world, mainly in the Middle East, Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent, studying various forms of local music traditions. In these traditions, he encountered music that was not merely a vehicle of self-expression, but music that was able to take one beyond what was normally perceived to be the boundaries of one’s self into other trans-personal realms of experience. Ross Daly is the founder and artistic director of the Labyrinth Musical Lab in Crete, which annually brings together hundreds of students and teachers from around the world to seminar circles that offer a unique experience of learning the musical traditions of the entire range of Modal Music.
Ross Daly - lyra, tarhu, rabab
Kelly Thoma - lyra
Bijan Chemirani - zarb, daf
Ross Daly - lyra, tarhu, rabab
Kelly Thoma - lyra
Bijan Chemirani - zarb, daf
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Ruhnu violin orchestra
Various countries
at - II Kirsimägi
Ruhnu violin camp, celebrating its 10th anniversary, will come to the mainland for the first time to give a grand concert with foreign artists who have visited the camp over the years. Together they will proudly play the lost Ruhnu Swedish traditional violin music and chorals, and add their favorite tunes from across the sea. The orchestra includes 25 musicians, the chief organizers of the camp and folk music virtuosos from different corners of the world.
Ruhnu violin orchestra + Lee Taul, Karoliina Kreintaal, Sänni Noormets, Kairi Leivo and guests:
Breanndán Ó Beaglaoích - accordion, vocals (Ireland)
Maria Stepien, Marcin Lorenz and Marcin Filipczuk - violins, vocals (Poland)
Marcelo Politano - whistles, saxophone (Brazil)
Luiz Black - percussion (Brazil)
Efren Lopez - oud, rabab, hurdy-gurdy, 12-string guitar (Spain)
Ruhnu violin orchestra + Lee Taul, Karoliina Kreintaal, Sänni Noormets, Kairi Leivo and guests:
Breanndán Ó Beaglaoích - accordion, vocals (Ireland)
Maria Stepien, Marcin Lorenz and Marcin Filipczuk - violins, vocals (Poland)
Marcelo Politano - whistles, saxophone (Brazil)
Luiz Black - percussion (Brazil)
Efren Lopez - oud, rabab, hurdy-gurdy, 12-string guitar (Spain)
Sadam & Sillad
Estonia
at - Jaak Johanson Stage, Tallinna 5, Viljandi
Marek Sadam’s career at Viljandi Folk Music Festival started from the cloakroom and ended as the nightclub manager. The idea to write songs got a nice kick-start from Johansonid’s album “Põhja vahemäng”. So that’s where the roots of his creation partly lie. He will come to the festival with Martin Trudnikov and Paul Daniel, who both belong to the group Sadamasild, to perform his best original songs. They will play songs influenced by “Põhja vahemäng” and tunes from the four albums of Sadamasild. It promises to be a lovely and wholesome encounter.
Marek Sadam - vocals
Martin Trudnikov - accordion
Paul Daniel - guitar
Marek Sadam - vocals
Martin Trudnikov - accordion
Paul Daniel - guitar
Svjata Vatra and Rute Trochynskyi
Estonia/Ukraine
at - Viljandi Song Festival Grounds
The Ukrainian-Estonian ensemble Svjata Vatra (Holy Fire) plays folk music based on traditional songs with a fresh punk attitude. On stage, the band evokes an ancient rite using bagpipes, jew’s harp, scythe, and husky lead vocals—all blown into the 21st century by a shimmering trombone. In 2020, the band released a CD “World, You are Changing”. Three generations of musicians took part in the production of the album, to point out the importance of the wisdom of grandparents that transfers to children and grandchildren. Now we see the father performing together with his daughter, connecting generations and traditions in the music! Since 2014, Svjata Vatra has been closely involved in political and humanitarian activism to support Ukraine, both in Estonia and internationally. From February 2022, the Trochynskyi family has been personally leading some of the biggest support actions in Estonia. The performance of Svjata Vatra has never been as expressive and moving as now, carrying a message for peace.
Ruslan Trochynskyi - vocals, trombone, scythe
Juhan Suits - Estonian bagpipes, wooden horn, whistle, vocals, jew’s harp
Karl-Heinrich Arro - drums, percussion, vocals
Oliver Kilk - guitar, vocals
Ats Tani - bass quitar
Rute Trochynskyi - vocals
Ruslan Trochynskyi - vocals, trombone, scythe
Juhan Suits - Estonian bagpipes, wooden horn, whistle, vocals, jew’s harp
Karl-Heinrich Arro - drums, percussion, vocals
Oliver Kilk - guitar, vocals
Ats Tani - bass quitar
Rute Trochynskyi - vocals
Tallinn Dance House Musicians
Estonia
A group of musicians who started playing together at Tallinn Dance House. Every second Wednesday they gather in Hopner House, in Tallinn to play the dance tunes that the dancers have come to love over the last 30 years of Dance House movement. Most of their repertoire consists of social dances with fixed form – “Aleksandra valss”, “Kihnumua”, “Suboota” and “Padespaan” are of course amongst the favorites of all time. They also add some polkas, waltzes, reinlenders and flat foot waltzes to the mix. In recent years, the musicians have grown fond of the dances from Pakri which give a nice final touch to every party. In addition to local dances, they also have a wide variety of foreign favorites, which fit especially well to the late hours of a dance.
Jaan Sarv - garmon
Monika Väliste - flute, pipe
Maarja Sarv - violin
Leanne Barbo - bagpipe, pipe
Natali Ponetajev - garmon
Jaan Sarv - garmon
Monika Väliste - flute, pipe
Maarja Sarv - violin
Leanne Barbo - bagpipe, pipe
Natali Ponetajev - garmon
Tbilisi
Georgia
at - Kaevumägi
at - St. John's Church
Male choir Tbilisi and their authentic Georgian chorales are known and loved by many. This wonderful male choir has performed at Viljandi Folk Music Festival many times before and has also done a concert tour in Estonian churches that left a sublime and warm feeling in the hearts of the listeners. This time they will sing good old spiritual chorales and traditional country and town folk songs from different parts of Georgia. Their powerful and resounding voices will not leave anyone unimpressed.
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Tęgie Chłopy
Poland
at - Kaevumägi
at - Kaevumägi
Tęgie Chłopy is already a brand. Their concerts and dances are famous for their joyful energy that "raises the ceilings". Tęgie Chłopy band continues the traditions of live dance music of Kielce region, Central Poland. The aim of the band is to revive the music that used to be performed in the villages in the old days. Kielce region is known for its brass orchestras – that is why Tęgie Chłopy has a strong brass section, namely trumpet, clarinet and bass.
The members of the band are the disciples of village musicians. One of their most important masters is Stanisław Witkowski from Opatów, an 80-years old clarinet player. Together with his four brothers he created a legendary band that performed traditional music during hundreds of wedding parties. People say that the Witkowski brothers were able to lift the ceilings with their music. And that is the goal of Tęgie Chłopy, too.
Their first album "Dansing" was voted the Best Folk Album of the last 25 years by the listeners of Polish Radio 2!
Maniucha Bikont - tuba, vocals
Maciej Filipczuk - violin, vocals
Ewa Grochowska - violin, vocals
Mateusz Kowalski - accordion, guitar, vocals
Michał Żak - clarinet, soprano saxophone, vocals
Michał Maziarz - tenor horn
Dorota Murzynowska - baraban drum
Szczepan Pospieszalski - trumpet, electronics, vocals
Marcin Żytomirski - violin, vocals, some lyrics
The members of the band are the disciples of village musicians. One of their most important masters is Stanisław Witkowski from Opatów, an 80-years old clarinet player. Together with his four brothers he created a legendary band that performed traditional music during hundreds of wedding parties. People say that the Witkowski brothers were able to lift the ceilings with their music. And that is the goal of Tęgie Chłopy, too.
Their first album "Dansing" was voted the Best Folk Album of the last 25 years by the listeners of Polish Radio 2!
Maniucha Bikont - tuba, vocals
Maciej Filipczuk - violin, vocals
Ewa Grochowska - violin, vocals
Mateusz Kowalski - accordion, guitar, vocals
Michał Żak - clarinet, soprano saxophone, vocals
Michał Maziarz - tenor horn
Dorota Murzynowska - baraban drum
Szczepan Pospieszalski - trumpet, electronics, vocals
Marcin Żytomirski - violin, vocals, some lyrics
Tidi & Bande
Estonia
Tidi & bande is a collective led by singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Karoliine-Lisette Kõiv aka Tidi. Just for this Viljandi Folk Music Festival, Tidi has kicked out the men of the band to perform in an intimate trio setting with Marta Külaots and Elsa Nagel. They will perform tunes from their debut album as well as unreleased tracks, shaped into minimalistic acoustic arrangements full of vocal harmonies and musical detail. The result is a thoughtful and life-affirming journey through poetry and soulful landscapes that creates a unique connection with the listener, sure to leave an impact long after the festival.
Karoliine-Lisette Kõiv - vocals, guitar, violin, baritone ukulele
Elsa Nagel - vocals, piano
Marta Külaots - vocals, violin
Karoliine-Lisette Kõiv - vocals, guitar, violin, baritone ukulele
Elsa Nagel - vocals, piano
Marta Külaots - vocals, violin
Tintura
Estonia
at - Kaevumägi
Tintura blends the rural and urban music cultures by mixing samples from vinyles with traditional tunes. Their last album "Kaugel üksi võõra rahva hulgas" was released in 2019 and it was dedicated to the songs of Siberian Estonians.
In the summer of 2023, Tintura will release their third album full of bold colours and experimentations with Estonian folk song tradition, world music, jazz harmonies and hip-hop rhythms. New Samples include gems from Estonian eighties popular music archives and recordings of the same period from around the globe.
Karoliina Kreintaal – vocals, violin, viola, väikekannel, talharpa
Arno Tamm - vocals, guitar, piano
Taavet Niller - vocals, double bass, bass guitar
DJ Lauri Täht - live electronics, drums
In the summer of 2023, Tintura will release their third album full of bold colours and experimentations with Estonian folk song tradition, world music, jazz harmonies and hip-hop rhythms. New Samples include gems from Estonian eighties popular music archives and recordings of the same period from around the globe.
Karoliina Kreintaal – vocals, violin, viola, väikekannel, talharpa
Arno Tamm - vocals, guitar, piano
Taavet Niller - vocals, double bass, bass guitar
DJ Lauri Täht - live electronics, drums
Trad.Attack!
Estonia
at - II Kirsimägi
Trad.Attack! has made it their mission to constantly challenge themselves, to be dedicated and to surprise not only their fans but themselves as well. In nine years, the band has released five studio and three digital albums, all of which open up a world of complexities. The band’s goal to perform in every country of the world has taken them to 38 countries already and to almost every continent, with concerts from Australia to Canada, Chile and Malaysia. In their home country, the band tours nationwide and gives large scale concerts. Trad.Attack! has been recognised and honoured in Estonia with 29 music awards, including Band of The Year and Album of The Year. Their latest full-length album, "Bring It On", was released in March 2023, and reflects the changes in the band’s members themselves and the world around them. In addition to new instruments, the band members have crossed musical paths with a number of musicians from home and abroad, such as the Georgian vocal choir Iberi, the Canadian folk-pop band The East Pointers, the founder of the band Yemen Blues, Israeli-born musician Ravid Kahalani, the authentic seto choir and others.
Sandra Vabarna - Estonian bagpipe, Jew's harp, whistles, clockenspiel, vocals
Jalmar Vabarna - 12-string guitar, vocals
Tõnu Tubli - drums, percussion, brass instruments, vocals
Sandra Vabarna - Estonian bagpipe, Jew's harp, whistles, clockenspiel, vocals
Jalmar Vabarna - 12-string guitar, vocals
Tõnu Tubli - drums, percussion, brass instruments, vocals
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Triuka and Lõõm
Estonia
at - Kaevumägi
The winners of the Young Folk Band 2023 competition: Triuka and Lõõm!
Triuka
Triuka, whose roots are in Estonian folklore, experiments also with the melodic runs of classical music and the grooves of rhythm music. These youngsters don’t follow old and well-known ways but create innovative soundscapes to search for their own rich and versatile colours. This band radiates harmonious energy when playing on stage! The trio has only been active for half a year but they have already had many successful performances and released their first single and EP.
Uku Zolgo - Estonian diatonic accordion
Triin Pihlap - violin
Aino Rahel Aimla - cello
Lõõm
Lõõm is a string quartet whose main repertoire consists of jazz and folk music. The players’ aim is to test their group’s sound limits by using new and unusual playing techniques (for example percussive technique) and experimenting with the structures and harmonies. The most important thing for them is to maintain the musicality, to be present and enjoy the process.
Johan Kristjan Aimla - violin
Sandra Helena Valdma - violin
Kristin Klesment - viola
Anton Hannes Karin - cello
Triuka
Triuka, whose roots are in Estonian folklore, experiments also with the melodic runs of classical music and the grooves of rhythm music. These youngsters don’t follow old and well-known ways but create innovative soundscapes to search for their own rich and versatile colours. This band radiates harmonious energy when playing on stage! The trio has only been active for half a year but they have already had many successful performances and released their first single and EP.
Uku Zolgo - Estonian diatonic accordion
Triin Pihlap - violin
Aino Rahel Aimla - cello
Lõõm
Lõõm is a string quartet whose main repertoire consists of jazz and folk music. The players’ aim is to test their group’s sound limits by using new and unusual playing techniques (for example percussive technique) and experimenting with the structures and harmonies. The most important thing for them is to maintain the musicality, to be present and enjoy the process.
Johan Kristjan Aimla - violin
Sandra Helena Valdma - violin
Kristin Klesment - viola
Anton Hannes Karin - cello
Tuulelõõtsutajad
Estonia
at - Viljandi Song Festival Grounds
The main reason why the members of Tuulelõõtsutajad get together, is to revel in music. And the pleasure is even greater when people dance to their tunes. They are appreciated for their good-natured and contagious beat and characteristic sound of diatonic accordion.
Their first bigger gig was in 2000 at Viljandi Folk Music Festival. Since then Tuulelõõtsutajad have performed both in Estonia and abroad and released three albums.
Juhan Uppin - diatonic accordion, vocals
Siim Rikker - octave mandolin, vocals
Priit Rikker - bass, vocals
Enrik Visla - violin, vocals
Toomas Oks - guitar, vocals
Their first bigger gig was in 2000 at Viljandi Folk Music Festival. Since then Tuulelõõtsutajad have performed both in Estonia and abroad and released three albums.
Juhan Uppin - diatonic accordion, vocals
Siim Rikker - octave mandolin, vocals
Priit Rikker - bass, vocals
Enrik Visla - violin, vocals
Toomas Oks - guitar, vocals
Untsakad
Estonia
at - Viljandi Song Festival Grounds
The wind murmurs in the woods, when a poor gypsy appears at my window, you girl, I just can’t handle you at all, oh you light-hearted girl, you thought you’re the only one I love …
But a snake crawled in the grass and said to me: “Don’t come any nearer, she’s not blooming for you!”
A girl on the edge of a cliff, on the shore of Narva, raised her hands and heaved a sigh: “Disco is not important, punk is the main thing, this is very important indeed, my dear disco friend.” For sixteen years they ate pork with potatoes, sauce and butter, those of us who survived, they drank and they kicked and seven men ended up in jail.
The beer barrels danced and the pirates had a blast, hooray!
(Kaido Ray Kallikorm)
Ilmar Kald - violin
Jaanus Jantson - guitar
Jaanus Põlder - mandolin
Margus Põldsepp - accordions
Marek Rätsep - bass guitar
Tauno Uibo - sound wizard
But a snake crawled in the grass and said to me: “Don’t come any nearer, she’s not blooming for you!”
A girl on the edge of a cliff, on the shore of Narva, raised her hands and heaved a sigh: “Disco is not important, punk is the main thing, this is very important indeed, my dear disco friend.” For sixteen years they ate pork with potatoes, sauce and butter, those of us who survived, they drank and they kicked and seven men ended up in jail.
The beer barrels danced and the pirates had a blast, hooray!
(Kaido Ray Kallikorm)
Ilmar Kald - violin
Jaanus Jantson - guitar
Jaanus Põlder - mandolin
Margus Põldsepp - accordions
Marek Rätsep - bass guitar
Tauno Uibo - sound wizard
Vägilased
Estonia
at - II Kirsimägi
Vägilased drove Estonian folk festival crowds wild for 11 years (2000–2011) and became a true legend. Now they have decided to come back for one night to celebrate the 30th birthday of Viljandi Folk Music Festival, which has always been their “home ground”. They bring along a little musical gift consisting of songs from their early, middle and final days. Also, get ready for many surprise guests!
It’s time to get together with old and new friends!
Meelika Hainsoo - vocals, violin
Cätlin Mägi - vocals, flute, bagpipe, jew’s harp, whistles
Jan Viileberg - electric guitar, acoustic guitar
Marti Tärn - bass guitar, harmonium
Reigo Ahven - drums
Guests:
Leik - Elina Kasesalu, Kelly Veinberg - violins, vocals
Toomas Valk - garmon
Andre Maaker - acoustic guitar
Francois Archanjo - percussion
It’s time to get together with old and new friends!
Meelika Hainsoo - vocals, violin
Cätlin Mägi - vocals, flute, bagpipe, jew’s harp, whistles
Jan Viileberg - electric guitar, acoustic guitar
Marti Tärn - bass guitar, harmonium
Reigo Ahven - drums
Guests:
Leik - Elina Kasesalu, Kelly Veinberg - violins, vocals
Toomas Valk - garmon
Andre Maaker - acoustic guitar
Francois Archanjo - percussion
Varispäivätrio
Estonia/Finland
at - St. John's Church
at - Traditional Music Center
Varispäivätrio consists of three kantele players: Eva Väljaots (Estonia), Jenni Venäläinen (Finland) and Timo Väänänen (Finland), who share their fascination of the music traditions of Khanty and Mansi people. On 5-string lyre instruments nars-juh and sangvyltap, similar to kantele and kannel, they play Khanty and Mansi tunes along with the trio's compositions and improvisations inspired by traditional melodies, rhythms and sounds.
The name of the ensemble refers to the ‘Day of the crow’ in Finnish – a holiday in Khanty and Mansi traditions celebrating the returning of the crows and the start of spring. Varispäivätrio takes after these playful and curious birds, who are well known throughout Finno-Ugric cultures.
Eva Väljaots - kantele, nars-juh/sangvyltap
Jenni Venäläinen - kantele, nars-juh/sangvyltap
Timo Väänänen - kantele, nars-juh/sangvyltap
The name of the ensemble refers to the ‘Day of the crow’ in Finnish – a holiday in Khanty and Mansi traditions celebrating the returning of the crows and the start of spring. Varispäivätrio takes after these playful and curious birds, who are well known throughout Finno-Ugric cultures.
Eva Väljaots - kantele, nars-juh/sangvyltap
Jenni Venäläinen - kantele, nars-juh/sangvyltap
Timo Väänänen - kantele, nars-juh/sangvyltap
Veljo Tormise laulusumm
Estonia
at - Traditional Music Center
Young talharpa players from Vormsi
Estonia
A group of youngsters from Vormsi island who have learned to play the talharpa under the guidance of two teachers Liisa and Helle. Talharpa is a traditional instrument unique to their home island. The pupils have played the talharpa for 5–6 years and have performed at different local and Estonian Swedish cultural events. They play traditional leik tunes from Vormsi for flat foot waltzing, and sing songs in Estonian Swedish dialect from the island and coastal areas. In addition to traditional island music, you can also dance to well-known dance tunes from the Estonian Mainland.
Katarina Kõiveer - talharpa, vocals
Merilyn Juhkam - talharpa, vocals
Liise Varblane - talharpa, vocals
Gertlin Kanarbik - talharpa, vocals
Randal Mutso - talharpa, vocals
Liisa Koemets - talharpa, vocals
Age Kõiveer - talharpa, vocals
Helle Suurlaht - talharpa, vocals
Katarina Kõiveer - talharpa, vocals
Merilyn Juhkam - talharpa, vocals
Liise Varblane - talharpa, vocals
Gertlin Kanarbik - talharpa, vocals
Randal Mutso - talharpa, vocals
Liisa Koemets - talharpa, vocals
Age Kõiveer - talharpa, vocals
Helle Suurlaht - talharpa, vocals
Zetod
Estonia
at - Viljandi Song Festival Grounds
Zetod is a musical phenomenon that was born as a youth band in 2003 in Värska, under the guidance of Kristjan Priks, a graduate of the Viljandi Culture Academy. The idea of a group of boys from Setomaa playing pop-rock in the spirit of their own culture was exciting back then, and has brought them great success, many awards and a lot of appreciation by now. In 2023, seven studio albums later, they celebrate their 20-year anniversary!
Jalmar Vabarna - vocals, guitars, garmon
Matis Leima - vocals, violin, garmon
Artur Linnus - vocals, accordion
Martin Kütt - vocals, drums
Jaanus Viskar - vocals, bass guitar
Jalmar Vabarna - vocals, guitars, garmon
Matis Leima - vocals, violin, garmon
Artur Linnus - vocals, accordion
Martin Kütt - vocals, drums
Jaanus Viskar - vocals, bass guitar
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