6hunesseq [ɤhunes:eʔ], meaning ‘humidity’ in Võro, is a musical group that is mainly united by the curiosity of its members. In their music, the rich world of folk chorales meets with the church organ, the archaic sounds of the talharpa, and the violin, which, in Estonian folk music, is most often employed in traditional dance music. The convergence of these different sounds and timbres yields a meditative yet powerful world which connects centuries-old tradition with the language of contemporary folk music.
Marion Selgall - vocals, tambourine
Greta Liisa Grünberg - vocals, talharpa, frame drum
Maria Mänd - talharpa, fiddle, vocals
Kaisa Kuslapuu - pipe organ
Artists
6hunesseq
Estonia
at - St. John's Church
Alamakstud Härrad
Estonia
at - Traditional Music Center
An Estonian man loved his wife so much that he almost told her. However, when he sings and dances, he becomes an open book, and everything revealed during these activities is the absolute truth! The gentlemen draw informative and educational inspiration from old dance and song traditions, performing timeless hits learned from their ancestors' songbooks. One thing is certain: the lovely dancers always manage to bring a smile to your face!
Your humble servants:
Romet Allingu - I soprano
Brett Hiiob - II soprano
Your humble servants:
Romet Allingu - I soprano
Brett Hiiob - II soprano
Ammuker
Estonia
at - Kaevumägi
Women of Sõrve and Saaremaa. Girls, young women, and a line of mothers and grandmothers from older generations. Their mother tongue is the Sõrve language; those who don't know it, learn. Our passion is regisongs and everything linked to them: stories and women's work, traditional dresses, field and child raising skills, and fine handicrafts. Ancient songs and supporting company – the help of women when the waves threaten to overwhelm. Toes in the soil, scarf in the sea wind. Born and self-made folk singers.
In Viljandi, we present our new album "Siiruviiruline" and talk about the clothes fashion of Saaremaa. With songs about everyday life and celebration, we open a window to Saaremaa of a century ago and take a bold peek inside! How did the village talk about who, what, and when wore what? How did people feel in these ancient clothes, and what did the singer think of it all? On this creaky island in the Baltic Sea, over a hundred years ago, quite a few things were not so different from today.
Ammuker:
Tammeougu Mari - vocals
Ainika Jakobson - vocals
Jõe Laura - vocals, bagpipe
Tammeougu Auli - vocals,
Tammeougu Pääsu - laul, spinning wheel
Tammeougu Liisi - vocals
Sääse Mann - vocals
Lepigu Merike - vocals
Rohelise Liis - vocals, kannel
Suureniidi Kata - vocals
With:
Jõe Jakob - vocals
Tammeougu Oliver - vocalsl, bagpipe
Margus Lepik - sound, light, stage
Piret Parrest - video, light, stage
In Viljandi, we present our new album "Siiruviiruline" and talk about the clothes fashion of Saaremaa. With songs about everyday life and celebration, we open a window to Saaremaa of a century ago and take a bold peek inside! How did the village talk about who, what, and when wore what? How did people feel in these ancient clothes, and what did the singer think of it all? On this creaky island in the Baltic Sea, over a hundred years ago, quite a few things were not so different from today.
Ammuker:
Tammeougu Mari - vocals
Ainika Jakobson - vocals
Jõe Laura - vocals, bagpipe
Tammeougu Auli - vocals,
Tammeougu Pääsu - laul, spinning wheel
Tammeougu Liisi - vocals
Sääse Mann - vocals
Lepigu Merike - vocals
Rohelise Liis - vocals, kannel
Suureniidi Kata - vocals
With:
Jõe Jakob - vocals
Tammeougu Oliver - vocalsl, bagpipe
Margus Lepik - sound, light, stage
Piret Parrest - video, light, stage
Ando and friends 55
Estonia
at - II Kirsimägi
The head of the festival Ando Kiviberg will celebrate his 55th birthday on Sunday, July 28, and invite the festival audience to join in the celebration! This time, a concert performance will unfold in front of the audience, showing the journey of the head of the festival, during which many great things have come to life, including the Viljandi Folk Music Festival itself.
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Angus
Estonia
at - II Kirsimägi
Angus are known for their energetic and fascinating concerts which bring Estonian reggae music to wider audiences across the country. The seven-member band sprouted from the rich cultural soil of Viljandi and has released three studio albums in their 14 years of activity. Their latest album, "Vibratsioon," was released in 2023 and was very well received, with Radio 2 naming it the flagship of Estonian reggae-rock. In recent years, Angus has collaborated with several popular artists, such as LI, Gameboy Tetris, Anett, Genka, Stefan, and many others.
Anton Ventsel - vocal, guitar
Elari Ennok - guitar
Lauri Kadalipp - saxophone
Johannes Kiik - trombone
Tobias Tammearu - keyboards
Mati Tubli - bass
Tõnu Tubli - drums
Anton Ventsel - vocal, guitar
Elari Ennok - guitar
Lauri Kadalipp - saxophone
Johannes Kiik - trombone
Tobias Tammearu - keyboards
Mati Tubli - bass
Tõnu Tubli - drums
Argo Aadli and Ülemakstud Rentslihärrad
Estonia
at - Traditional Music Center
Every song and tune has its story, deep in these pieces lie the destinies and deeds of people who once lived here. Their memories and life stories slowly burn in these songs like smouldering embers beneath the ashes, waiting to burst into flame again, to ignite those nearby. Although we may not realize or know it – these stories still influence us today, simmering at the back of our minds as we hum a tune, evoking memories we don't even remember. But what if we really bring the life in these songs to the audiences? We might recognize a piece of ourselves in them. After all, we too are a part of those Aleksanders, Matses, Leenas, Juulas, and of course – Ülos.
For your eyes and ears only: centuries-old village songs and the lives in these stories.
Argo Aadli - life
Tarmo Noormaa - accordions and vocals
Lauri Õunapuu - vocals
For your eyes and ears only: centuries-old village songs and the lives in these stories.
Argo Aadli - life
Tarmo Noormaa - accordions and vocals
Lauri Õunapuu - vocals
Bani Hill Band
Georgia
at - Song Festival Grounds
at - I Kirsimägi
Bani Hill Band are admired due to wonderful voices, perfectly dominated instrumentals and devotion to the music, carried out with inexhaustible power and energy. Seven men catch your attention and won’t let you go. The energy of their music is impressive, as it's coming deep from the heart and touching the roots of their homeland.
With members coming from different regions, both East and West Georgia, Bani combines the Georgian folk songs with the whole Caucasus music and culture uniquely. Their music reaches millennia back, as choir singing is one of the things that reflects national Georgian authenticity and is recognized by UNESCO as a world’s masterpiece of polyphony. This unique singing style was formed during centuries and was transmitted from generation to generation. Bani Hill Band plays music with the respect for their culture and at the same time, as true artists, give it a revolutionary kick.
Bani Hill Band was born in the streets of Tbilisi and became popular in the whole Caucasus and beyond. The men got to all Georgians’ hearts – they play from small weddings to the biggest festivals and halls, their songs are played all over the Caucasus, from small bars to top radio hits.
Now Bani Hill Band are ready to hit Europe!
Mate Pirtskhelava - panduri, vocals
Raul Bitsadze - panduri, vocals
Besik Metreveli - garmon, vocals
Goga Nikoladze - bass
Gela Gogishvili - dhol, vocals
Besik Kvitsiani - keyboard, vocals
Beqa Miqadze - percussion, effects, vocals
With members coming from different regions, both East and West Georgia, Bani combines the Georgian folk songs with the whole Caucasus music and culture uniquely. Their music reaches millennia back, as choir singing is one of the things that reflects national Georgian authenticity and is recognized by UNESCO as a world’s masterpiece of polyphony. This unique singing style was formed during centuries and was transmitted from generation to generation. Bani Hill Band plays music with the respect for their culture and at the same time, as true artists, give it a revolutionary kick.
Bani Hill Band was born in the streets of Tbilisi and became popular in the whole Caucasus and beyond. The men got to all Georgians’ hearts – they play from small weddings to the biggest festivals and halls, their songs are played all over the Caucasus, from small bars to top radio hits.
Now Bani Hill Band are ready to hit Europe!
Mate Pirtskhelava - panduri, vocals
Raul Bitsadze - panduri, vocals
Besik Metreveli - garmon, vocals
Goga Nikoladze - bass
Gela Gogishvili - dhol, vocals
Besik Kvitsiani - keyboard, vocals
Beqa Miqadze - percussion, effects, vocals
Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino
Apulia, South Italy
at - Kaevumägi
at - II Kirsimägi
Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino, formed in 1975 by the writer Rina Durante, is the first and most important ensemble to produce popular music from Salento (Apulia). The fascinating dichotomy between tradition and modernity characterizes the music of CGS: the group reinterprets in a modern key the traditions that revolve around the famous pizzica tarantata ritual, which had the power to cure through music, trance and dance the bite of the fearsome tarantula.
The CGS’s albums and performances are an explosion of energy, passion, rhythm, and magic, which captivate the audience and, through the beat of the tambourine, engage the public in a journey that goes from the past to the present of the culture of Salento (Apulia, Southern Italy).
Their last album, Meridiana (2022), was the “Album of the year” at the World Music Charts Europe. In 2018 the CGS received the Songlines Music Award as “Best group”, assigned for the first time to an Italian group. In 2014, their song “Sola Andata” – based on a text by Italian writer Erri De Luca – received the “Art and Human Rights Prize” by Amnesty International. In 2012, they took part in globalFEST in New York, during which the CGS was defined by The New York Times as: «a whirlwind». That same year, CGS was the only Italian group at WOMEX Festival, the most important world music expo in the world.
Mauro Durante - vocals, percussions, violin
Alessia Tondo - vocals
Silvia Perrone - dance
Giulio Bianco - bagpipe, harmonica, flutes, bass
Massimiliano Morabito - organ
Emanuele Licci - vocals, guitar
The CGS’s albums and performances are an explosion of energy, passion, rhythm, and magic, which captivate the audience and, through the beat of the tambourine, engage the public in a journey that goes from the past to the present of the culture of Salento (Apulia, Southern Italy).
Their last album, Meridiana (2022), was the “Album of the year” at the World Music Charts Europe. In 2018 the CGS received the Songlines Music Award as “Best group”, assigned for the first time to an Italian group. In 2014, their song “Sola Andata” – based on a text by Italian writer Erri De Luca – received the “Art and Human Rights Prize” by Amnesty International. In 2012, they took part in globalFEST in New York, during which the CGS was defined by The New York Times as: «a whirlwind». That same year, CGS was the only Italian group at WOMEX Festival, the most important world music expo in the world.
Mauro Durante - vocals, percussions, violin
Alessia Tondo - vocals
Silvia Perrone - dance
Giulio Bianco - bagpipe, harmonica, flutes, bass
Massimiliano Morabito - organ
Emanuele Licci - vocals, guitar
Curly Strings
Estonia
at - II Kirsimägi
Curly Strings is an acoustic band consisting of four members who draw inspiration from their personal tradition within the current Estonian cultural landscape. The foundation of their original compositions is passionate and high-spirited playing style, memorably beautiful melodies, and sincere performance. The band's rise to stardom in the Estonian music scene in 2013 was a phenomenon of its own, and thanks to that, the band's music reached the hearts of many Estonians, where it remains to this day.
Eeva Talsi - fiddle, vocals
Taavet Niller - double bass, vocals
Peeter Priks - guitar, vocals
Villu Talsi - mandolin, vocals
Eeva Talsi - fiddle, vocals
Taavet Niller - double bass, vocals
Peeter Priks - guitar, vocals
Villu Talsi - mandolin, vocals
Duo Mänd/Krüsban
Estonia
at - Traditional Music Center
Duo Mänd/Krüsban is a lively ensemble consisting of a five-string violin (played by Regina Mänd), an Estonian diatonic accordion (played by Kert Krüsban), and vocals. They reinterpret stories, songs, tales, and dances from the past, honouring old traditions while infusing the music with rhythm, vitality, sharpness, delicacy, strength, and energy, and adding their own unique touch. Duo Mänd/Krüsban plays mainly Estonian folk music along with new compositions.
Duo Mann & Juula
Estonia
at - Traditional Music Center
Duo Mann & Juula (Maria Mänd and Juuli Kõrre) are fiddlers and childhood friends from Pärnu. Together, they have travelled across Europe, gathering stories and melodies, but they’ve always returned to their roots in the Estonian folk music. This journey culminated in their debut album "Pleektatsu," for which they won two Etnokulp folk music awards. They are not afraid of playful measures and soaring melodies that, though seemingly small, are grand in their execution. Their music, featuring both traditional Estonian tunes and their own compositions, inspires everyone to dance their heart out!
Maria Mänd - fiddle
Juuli Kõrre - fiddl
Maria Mänd - fiddle
Juuli Kõrre - fiddl
Duo Ruut
Estonia
at - II Kirsimägi
Duo Ruut is an alliance of two good friends with different musical backgrounds and tastes, drawing inspiration from their ancestors' heritage. Playing together on one zither opens up new inventive ways of playing and gives life to their minimalist and fresh music.
During a short period of time Duo Ruut have already toured around the world and performed at many prominent festivals, including Celtic Connections, Womex, Trans Musicales and Eurosonic. Within the last two years, they’ve played in almost twenty different countries and their music has received a lot of international media attention, such as MOJO, Le Monde, BBC3, The Arts Desk, Songlines etc.
Ann-Lisett Rebane - vocals, zither
Katariina Kivi - vocals, zither
EiK (Eik Erik Sikk)
During a short period of time Duo Ruut have already toured around the world and performed at many prominent festivals, including Celtic Connections, Womex, Trans Musicales and Eurosonic. Within the last two years, they’ve played in almost twenty different countries and their music has received a lot of international media attention, such as MOJO, Le Monde, BBC3, The Arts Desk, Songlines etc.
Ann-Lisett Rebane - vocals, zither
Katariina Kivi - vocals, zither
EiK (Eik Erik Sikk)
Eesti Keeled
Estonia
at - Jaak Johanson Stage, Viljandi Baptist Church
Eesti Keeled is an ensemble that came together nearly 25 years ago and is still a meeting point for Estonian folk music and original compositions. The new members are much loved musicians Mari Jürjens and Vaiko Eplik and the band has already had several successful concerts with them. Eesti Keeled is also preparing to record a new album with the current members, featuring music mainly composed by Jaak Sooäär. At the concert they will play older songs that have already become classics as well as new music from the upcoming album.
Estpipes trio
Estonia
at - Traditional Music Center
Estpipes trio consists of three members from the Estonian bagpipe septet Cätlin Mägi & Estpipes: Merili Kask, Helery Kõrvemaa, and Kadri Allikmäe. In the dance house, the will play traditional bagpipe tunes as well as their own arrangements. You can definitely dance the flat foot waltz, polka, and maybe even the reinlender.
Merili Kask graduated from the University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy in 2023 with a concert "Mõtterännak" (“The Journey of the mind”). In 2021, she studied the bagpipe music at the Vigo Conservatory in Galicia, Spain. Currently, she is a music and instrument teacher at various schools in Mulgimaa and is involved in several different projects. For example, this summer, she will be one of the musical directors of the dance production "Aig veerep armu müüdä" (“Time flows with love”).
Helery Kõrvemaa is a soprano saxophone and bagpipe player. She is currently studying traditional music at the University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy. In 2022-2023, she studied Swedish folk music at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm. She has participated in numerous projects and plays saxophone and bagpipes in the band kvintrad.
Kadri Allikmäe is a bagpiper who graduated in the spring of 2024 with a master's degree in creative applications of cultural heritage, specializing in traditional music, from the University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy. In her master’s thesis, she explored older, motif-based bagpipe music and played arrangements inspired by that type of music and modal thinking at her concert "Torupillikirjad" (“Bagpipe Patterns”). She is also a member of the bagpipe-accordion duo Kadri ja Koidu.
Merili Kask graduated from the University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy in 2023 with a concert "Mõtterännak" (“The Journey of the mind”). In 2021, she studied the bagpipe music at the Vigo Conservatory in Galicia, Spain. Currently, she is a music and instrument teacher at various schools in Mulgimaa and is involved in several different projects. For example, this summer, she will be one of the musical directors of the dance production "Aig veerep armu müüdä" (“Time flows with love”).
Helery Kõrvemaa is a soprano saxophone and bagpipe player. She is currently studying traditional music at the University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy. In 2022-2023, she studied Swedish folk music at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm. She has participated in numerous projects and plays saxophone and bagpipes in the band kvintrad.
Kadri Allikmäe is a bagpiper who graduated in the spring of 2024 with a master's degree in creative applications of cultural heritage, specializing in traditional music, from the University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy. In her master’s thesis, she explored older, motif-based bagpipe music and played arrangements inspired by that type of music and modal thinking at her concert "Torupillikirjad" (“Bagpipe Patterns”). She is also a member of the bagpipe-accordion duo Kadri ja Koidu.
ETHNO Estonia 2024
Different countries
at - Song Festival Grounds
Ethno Estonia 2024 is an international music collective made up of nearly 60 musicians from different parts of the world.
The band gets together every summer but always with a new group of musicians, which is why it is always fresh, unexpected, and unique. The collective's repertoire is just as diverse - it’s made up of traditional tunes and songs from different nations and regions, which are learned from each other in the nine-day music camp that takes place before the festival.
Vitality, bubbling energy, and the joy of playing come together at every Ethno Estonia concert and give a powerful experience and feeling to each listener!
The band gets together every summer but always with a new group of musicians, which is why it is always fresh, unexpected, and unique. The collective's repertoire is just as diverse - it’s made up of traditional tunes and songs from different nations and regions, which are learned from each other in the nine-day music camp that takes place before the festival.
Vitality, bubbling energy, and the joy of playing come together at every Ethno Estonia concert and give a powerful experience and feeling to each listener!
ETHNO Estonia Youth 2024
Estonia
at - II Kirsimägi
Ethno Estonia Youth 2024 is a big folk music group that brings together nearly 40 musicians aged 13–17. Each year, this newly formed orchestra spends a week making music together at Kärstna Manor. The result is a concert programme composed of Estonian folk music, created with the help of seven tutors, which is then performed at the Viljandi Folk Music Festival. The learning process before the festival and playing at the stage give the young musicians unforgettable memories of their shared achievements and experiences, and hopefully, also guide the audience onto colourful paths of tradition.
Eva Eensaar and Krista Citra Joonas
Estonia
at - Jaak Johanson Stage, Viljandi Baptist Church
With the concert "Maailma äär" (“Edge of the World”), we present Eva Eensaar's album of the same name in Viljandi for the first time. We dangle our feet at the edge of the world, sing and play. We weave together the threads of different times, places, landscapes, the worlds beneath them and our own longing for playing and singing to create patterns and bring them to this moment in time. The songs and stories come from many corners of the world. For the joy of both you and us.
Eva Eensaar - vocals
Krista Citra Joonas - bansuri
Eva Eensaar - vocals
Krista Citra Joonas - bansuri
Eva Väljaots & Robbie Sherratt
Estonia
at - Traditional Music Center
Eva & Robbie write and perform music rooted in Estonian and English folklore. Combining kannel, fiddle and vocals in a rich and enchanting way, they create a colourful and charming duo in which good harmony comes first. Their music, both tradition sensitive and modern, is abounded with improvisation and spontaneity. At Viljandi Folk Music Festival 2024, Eva Väljaots & Robbie Sherratt will celebrate their newly released debut album Skylark with a unique programme made in collaboration with biologist and field recorder Veljo Runnel.
Like traditional music, the sounds of nature are characterized by rhythms, motif and repetition with the tape also capturing hints of the author’s own story and surroundings. The duo interprets and imitates these stories, inviting the listener on a hike through the wilderness.
Eva Väljaots - kannel, hiiu kannel, vocals
Robbie Sherratt - fiddle, hiiu kannel, vocals
Like traditional music, the sounds of nature are characterized by rhythms, motif and repetition with the tape also capturing hints of the author’s own story and surroundings. The duo interprets and imitates these stories, inviting the listener on a hike through the wilderness.
Eva Väljaots - kannel, hiiu kannel, vocals
Robbie Sherratt - fiddle, hiiu kannel, vocals
Florence Adooni
Ghana
at - Kaevumägi
at - Song Festival Grounds
It is difficult to stand still when Florence Adooni connects history and modern times with her contagious dance music. The Ghanaian singer is part of her homeland’s thriving Frafra Gospel scene, which was made to be sung standing at a crowded Sunday service, while backed by sweaty clapping. “The queen of Frafra Gospel” mixes this gripping expression with another of Ghana’s strongest and proudest musical traditions: a melodic and rhythmic pulsating highlife, where local Ghanian traditions combine with inspiration from pop, rock and jazz, including lots of festive horns. After all, she was raised in the town of Kumasi, which is known as being the epicentre of the highlife genre.
By the time of Viljandi Folk Music Festival Florence Adooni will release her first full album.
By the time of Viljandi Folk Music Festival Florence Adooni will release her first full album.
Fylgja
Estonia
at - I Kirsimägi
Fylgja is a group of four fiery musicians 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.
Fylgja was formed by the students of the UT Viljandi Culture Academy, and accordingly, they began performing early on at the Green Stage of the Viljandi Folk Music Festival. By now they have grown so much that they recorded their first album 'Mets ja maa' last winter, which they will now share with the audiences.
Kerli Kislõi - drums, garmon, vocals
Susanna Viktoria Mõtsmees - flute, bagpipe, vocals
Liina Jürgel - electric guitar, vocals
Jaagup Jürgel - bass guitar
Alex Verlin - electric guitar
Fylgja was formed by the students of the UT Viljandi Culture Academy, and accordingly, they began performing early on at the Green Stage of the Viljandi Folk Music Festival. By now they have grown so much that they recorded their first album 'Mets ja maa' last winter, which they will now share with the audiences.
Kerli Kislõi - drums, garmon, vocals
Susanna Viktoria Mõtsmees - flute, bagpipe, vocals
Liina Jürgel - electric guitar, vocals
Jaagup Jürgel - bass guitar
Alex Verlin - electric guitar
Gabba
Norway/Sami
at - I Kirsimägi
at - Kaevumägi
Driven to boost and explore the cultural heritage of Sápmi, the band aims to amplify the extraordinary traditional Sami yoik. With Southern Norwegians in his back, the yoik master John André Eira from far north in Mazé, Guovdageaidnu, brings his ancestral legacy and original compositions to Gabba’s music, creating a sound that is both haunting and captivating. In 2023, the band received the Norwegian grammy Spellemannprisen for their debut album entitled "Gabba". Humbled and honored they continue to develop and play their music across the borders. As the band is ambitious in their music, they are in the making of their second album: Vuossárga Luohti, meaning Yoikes on the first day of the week.
John André Eira - vocals, percussion
Ola Brandsnes Vårtun - banjo, keys, backing vocals
Espen Bakke - bass, backing vocals
Christoffer Mietle Furuheim - Guitar, backing vocals
Idar Eliassen Pedersen - trumpet, backing vocals
Marius Trøan Hansen - drums, backing vocals
John André Eira - vocals, percussion
Ola Brandsnes Vårtun - banjo, keys, backing vocals
Espen Bakke - bass, backing vocals
Christoffer Mietle Furuheim - Guitar, backing vocals
Idar Eliassen Pedersen - trumpet, backing vocals
Marius Trøan Hansen - drums, backing vocals
Heino Eller Music College - The Department of Folk Music 10!
Estonia
at - II Kirsimägi
The folk music department of Heino Eller Music College is one of a kind. Its main focus is on studying and interpreting Estonian folk music at the secondary school level. Over the course of ten years, the department and its graduates have developed their own style or pattern, Estonian folk music is played and interpreted with endless joy and curiosity, respect and attention to detail. Musicians and groups who have emerged from the department, such as Vabariigi Pillimees Kert Krüsban, Duo Mann ja Juula, Duo Mänd/Krüsban, Pärlin, ViuVäuVau, and Nova Lyre, have won various awards and left an important mark on the Estonian folk music scene, shaping it both today and in the future.
The celebratory concert is a journey through folk music and various village musicians, instrument traditions, and regions of Estonia: accordion and kannel music from South Estonia, bagpipe music from the islands, violin and Jew’s harp music from the coastal areas, etc. The repertoire consists only of Estonian folk music, performed by smaller groups and solo players, as well as a large joint orchestra composed of teachers, students, and alumni.
The celebratory concert is a journey through folk music and various village musicians, instrument traditions, and regions of Estonia: accordion and kannel music from South Estonia, bagpipe music from the islands, violin and Jew’s harp music from the coastal areas, etc. The repertoire consists only of Estonian folk music, performed by smaller groups and solo players, as well as a large joint orchestra composed of teachers, students, and alumni.
Hypnosis Negative
Estonia/Canada
at - I Kirsimägi
at - Traditional Music Center
Hypnosis Negative – the feeling of being turned inside out, chasing your own feet around the floor. Fiddle and flute play a psychedelic array of traditional dance tunes the colour of blackberries and the texture of ice snapping across the lake in spring. Combined with tectonic gestures on drums and electric banjo, Hypnosis Negative creates a massive and powerfully danceable sound that sits at the unreal intersection of folk music, EDM, and jazz fusion. Katariina Tirmaste (Estonia) and Alan Mackie (Canada) are the core of this group, animating traditional music from their homes and from along the roads in between, collaborating regularly with other musicians from around the world. This year's festival set features a rare appearance by two of Toronto’s most creative accompanists, Jaron Freeman-Fox and Steven Foster.
Katariina Tirmaste - flutes & jaw harp
Alan Mackie - fiddle
Jaron Freeman-Fox - electric banjo
Steven Foster - drums
Katariina Tirmaste - flutes & jaw harp
Alan Mackie - fiddle
Jaron Freeman-Fox - electric banjo
Steven Foster - drums
Juhan Uppin
Estonia
at - I Kirsimägi
Juhan Uppin is a versatile Estonian diatonic accordion player whose music is deeply rooted in tradition. Although the Estonian Teppo-type accordion is a folk instrument with a strong tradition, Uppin has always treated it also as a contemporary musical instrument. He has been a pioneer who seeks for new sounds and possibilities and has brought the playing style and repertoire of this instrument to a completely new level. His latest solo album “Switches” consists for the first time only of his own compositions. Uppin was awarded as “The Folk Musician of the Year” and “New-folk Artist of the Year” in the latest Estonian Folk Music Awards.
Justament
Estonia
at - Song Festival Grounds
Justament sarted playing folk and country music in 1980, at their first concert. Bluegrass and blues have also found their way into the ensemble’s repertoire over the years, in addition to the original compositions. Whatever people enjoy and want to dance to – Justament will play it!
Since 2000, the lineup of Justament has remained unchanged. As for the style, it’s something like "Estonian country rock," but there really isn't a specific style... Let’s put it this way: Justament plays Justament's music.
Toomas Lunge - vocals
Jaan Elgula - vocals
Indrek Kalda - fiddle
Viktor Vassiljev- guitar
Tiit Kevad - drums
Alari Piispea - bass
Since 2000, the lineup of Justament has remained unchanged. As for the style, it’s something like "Estonian country rock," but there really isn't a specific style... Let’s put it this way: Justament plays Justament's music.
Toomas Lunge - vocals
Jaan Elgula - vocals
Indrek Kalda - fiddle
Viktor Vassiljev- guitar
Tiit Kevad - drums
Alari Piispea - bass
Kargutajad
Estonia
at - Traditional Music Center
Kargutajad consists of three men: John Silver Mitt, Ott-Mait Põldsepp, and Rasmus Kadaja. We play folk music, that is very suitable for dancing. The band was formed in the spring of 2024. We are not afraid of robust men's songs or gentle waltzes.
Rasmus Kadaja - Estonian diatonic accordion
Ott-Mait Põldsepp - guitar
John Silver Mitt - bass
Rasmus Kadaja - Estonian diatonic accordion
Ott-Mait Põldsepp - guitar
John Silver Mitt - bass
Katariina Tirmaste
Estonia
at - Traditional Music Center
Katariina Tirmaste is an adventurous flutist, who seeks a sense of immediacy and constant movement in her music. Her distinctive playing style can be heard in bands such as Lonitseera, Hypnosis Negative, Kuula Hetke, and the Tomás del Real trio. At the Viljandi Folk Music Festival, she will present her solo album, which is based on the repertoire of traditional wind instruments found in the Estonian Folklore Archives.
So far, the repertoire of smaller traditional wind instruments hasn’t gained much attention from folk musicians and has had undeservedly little use. At the festival, these unique melodies are brought before a wider audience. Song by song, a dialogue unfolds between a contemporary folk musician and archaic tunes, appealing to folk music friends who enjoy heterophonic soundscapes and to everyone who appreciate intimate, chamber-like music full of nuances.
So far, the repertoire of smaller traditional wind instruments hasn’t gained much attention from folk musicians and has had undeservedly little use. At the festival, these unique melodies are brought before a wider audience. Song by song, a dialogue unfolds between a contemporary folk musician and archaic tunes, appealing to folk music friends who enjoy heterophonic soundscapes and to everyone who appreciate intimate, chamber-like music full of nuances.
Kihnu Pillilapsed
Estonia
at - I Kirsimägi
The group known as Kihnu Pillilapsed (young musicians from Kihnu) unites musicians and dancers of all ages from Kihnu Island. Their repertoire mainly consists of Kihnu dance tunes, and they share the culture of their island through singing, dancing, and playing instruments.
Kumbia Boruka
Mexico
at - Song Festival Grounds
at - II Kirsimägi
The roots of Kumbia Boruka are to be found in Monterrey, the cumbia capital of Mexico and the place where Hernan Cortés, the accordion player and band leader, grew up. He didn’t only learn to play the accordion from the living legend of Mexican cumbia, Celso Piña, but he was also the percussionist in the band of Celso Piña during long international tours.
Besides their own contemporary and festive compositions, the band knows how to bring new flavours to classic cumbias from the sixties, mixing it with influences from reggae, dub, African music and rock, psychedelic electric guitar melodies, an extensive rhythm section and powerful and exciting brass arrangements. The Peruvian cumbia, called chicha, is not forgotten either. The result is a hybrid cumbia, nueva cumbia, with fierce Latin energy that will blow your mind! With three albums and more than 400 shows, Kumbia Boruka has fulfilled his challenge by making the Old Continent vibrate at the emblematic rhythm of Latin America, the Cumbia.
The "Remedio" that Kumbia Boruka offers is an authentic and compelling cure against the evils of our time.
Hernán Cortés - lead voice, accordion
Christian Briseño - lead voice
Tadeo Cortés - congas, guacharaca
Jonathan Cortez Castillo - bass
Miguel Mino - guitar
Cyril Gelly - drums
Clément Buisson - trumpet
Tristan Darphin - trombone
Besides their own contemporary and festive compositions, the band knows how to bring new flavours to classic cumbias from the sixties, mixing it with influences from reggae, dub, African music and rock, psychedelic electric guitar melodies, an extensive rhythm section and powerful and exciting brass arrangements. The Peruvian cumbia, called chicha, is not forgotten either. The result is a hybrid cumbia, nueva cumbia, with fierce Latin energy that will blow your mind! With three albums and more than 400 shows, Kumbia Boruka has fulfilled his challenge by making the Old Continent vibrate at the emblematic rhythm of Latin America, the Cumbia.
The "Remedio" that Kumbia Boruka offers is an authentic and compelling cure against the evils of our time.
Hernán Cortés - lead voice, accordion
Christian Briseño - lead voice
Tadeo Cortés - congas, guacharaca
Jonathan Cortez Castillo - bass
Miguel Mino - guitar
Cyril Gelly - drums
Clément Buisson - trumpet
Tristan Darphin - trombone
Kuula Hetke x Kelly Vask
Estonia
at - Kaevumägi
Kuula Hetke" is an improvisational flute duo of Kärt Pihlap and Katariina Tirmaste. The duo's repertoire consists mainly of traditional motifs, which they take apart and reassemble on stage, so that the current place and moment become crucial. In addition to acoustic flute tunes, Kuula Hetke has been working on their electronic sound over the past year and added songs into their repertoire.
Kelly Vask is a singer, songwriter, and producer whose mission is to convey everything a young adult can experience through her creation. Her music combines acoustic and electronic sounds, with lyrics depicting secret nocturnal walks and heartbreakingly crisp spring mornings. Kelly Vask works as a mentor for producers at the Viljandi Culture Academy and teaches in the Music and Theatre Academy's microdegree program for music production and songwriting.
The collaboration of the flute duo and the producer brings the art and pursuit of the moment of these three young women to a new level musically. It's a heartfelt tribute to the feelings, traditions, and worldview of our predecessors.
Kärt Pihlap - flute, vocals
Katariina Tirmaste - flute, vocals
Kelly Vask - electronics
Kelly Vask is a singer, songwriter, and producer whose mission is to convey everything a young adult can experience through her creation. Her music combines acoustic and electronic sounds, with lyrics depicting secret nocturnal walks and heartbreakingly crisp spring mornings. Kelly Vask works as a mentor for producers at the Viljandi Culture Academy and teaches in the Music and Theatre Academy's microdegree program for music production and songwriting.
The collaboration of the flute duo and the producer brings the art and pursuit of the moment of these three young women to a new level musically. It's a heartfelt tribute to the feelings, traditions, and worldview of our predecessors.
Kärt Pihlap - flute, vocals
Katariina Tirmaste - flute, vocals
Kelly Vask - electronics
kvintrad
Estonia
at - I Kirsimägi
The five-member band kvintrad, formed in Viljandi, is a group of folk musicians, who have been active for three years. Their repertoire consists of Estonian folk music dear to their heart, intertwined with their original compositions. In addition to playing instruments, their cheerful singing can also be heard from afar!
This time, specially for the Viljandi audience, kvintrad welcomes a sixth member – a drummer – so the band has a fresh and new sound!
Hanna Miina Kivisäk - fiddle, vocals
Simone Minn - viola
Helery Kõrvemaa - soprano saxophone, bagpipe
Andres Rass - guitar
Martin Kalm - bass guitar
Robin Kiisholts - drums
This time, specially for the Viljandi audience, kvintrad welcomes a sixth member – a drummer – so the band has a fresh and new sound!
Hanna Miina Kivisäk - fiddle, vocals
Simone Minn - viola
Helery Kõrvemaa - soprano saxophone, bagpipe
Andres Rass - guitar
Martin Kalm - bass guitar
Robin Kiisholts - drums
Lauri Sommer
Estonia
at - Jaak Johanson Stage, Viljandi Baptist Church
Lauri Sommer began making music in the nineties when he played in punk bands, sang in a church choir, and wrote his own songs. At the turn of the century, he joined the Seto choir Liinatsura’ and later sang old songs from South Estonia in the quartet Ytsiotsõ. He has released five eclectic albums under the Õunaviks label, under the name Kago, and in England, his music filled one side of a split-LP for Fat Cat Records (the other side featured Canadian artist Ian William Craig). As a writer, he has used his music as a backdrop for poetry readings and in radio shows, and some of his instrumentals have appeared in films and TV series. Currently, he’s combining acoustic folk blues with excellent Estonian poetry (Enno, Alliksaar, Ridala, and others). In addition to his original compositions, he performs piano pieces and archaic folk songs. This is music that can be mostly heard in a farmhouse yard, played for birds and a cat, and which occasionally finds its way into a friend's kitchen.
Leana.Island & Kulno Malva
Estonia
at - Jaak Johanson Stage, Viljandi Baptist Church
Leana.Island (voice) and Kulno Malva (accordion, loops) are two Estonian musicians. Kulno is known from his solo career, but also for playing in bands like Riffarrica, Svjata Vatra, Lepaseree etc. Leana has been singing and making songs in duo with Belgian diatonic accordionist Hartwin Dhoore and in an internationally toured indie-folk band Estbel. Leana and Kulno have been admiring each other's work from the distance for several years till their otherwise seemingly parallel running paths crossed – in 2020 Kulno was recording his 3rd solo album and invited Leana to sing on it, that was the beginning of their collaboration. Now 3 years later, Leana and Kulno are playing together in a duo as an established act. In autumn 2023 they recorded their first album which will be released in spring/summer 2024. The new album will be a mix of Kulno's soulful accordion and Leana's dreamy songs. Also quite a few traditional songs have found their way to the new album. The album “ööLooD” ( “The Nighttales”) was recorded and produced by a Belgian producer Jeroen Geerinck from Studio Trad.
Loojõel
Estonia
at - Traditional Music Center
The evening air is so quiet and calmly sleeps,
a soft mist has covered the land,
my little boat rocks so gently, so gently,
there on the waves of the black river...
There, on the river of stories, sail three unique and experienced musicians: Meelika Hainsoo, Krista Citra Joonas, and Andre Maaker. They are carried by the waves of old songs, each preserving patterns and traces of the love sought and found by several generations of ancestors, the beauty, and often the pain of life. This concert is a unique glimpse into the many layers of the human emotion through life stories that have become songs. The songs in the repertoire are chosen from both the older and newer folklore, and they describe and convey timeless emotions, despite their age. All the songs include patterns that resonate with the lives of people today. A human is a human, regardless of the times.
Meelika Hainsoo - vocals, hiiu kannel, fiddle
Krista Citra Joonas - bansuri
Andre Maaker - guitar
a soft mist has covered the land,
my little boat rocks so gently, so gently,
there on the waves of the black river...
There, on the river of stories, sail three unique and experienced musicians: Meelika Hainsoo, Krista Citra Joonas, and Andre Maaker. They are carried by the waves of old songs, each preserving patterns and traces of the love sought and found by several generations of ancestors, the beauty, and often the pain of life. This concert is a unique glimpse into the many layers of the human emotion through life stories that have become songs. The songs in the repertoire are chosen from both the older and newer folklore, and they describe and convey timeless emotions, despite their age. All the songs include patterns that resonate with the lives of people today. A human is a human, regardless of the times.
Meelika Hainsoo - vocals, hiiu kannel, fiddle
Krista Citra Joonas - bansuri
Andre Maaker - guitar
Lõõtsavägilased
Estonia
at - 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. 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. Over the last ten years they’ve given more than 900 concerts and played at all the bigger folk festivals in Estonia.
Lummo Kati leelopark
Estonia
at - Kaevumägi
In the summer of 2023, after many years, a three-day traditional Seto wedding took place. Triin Rätsep, a singer of Lummo Kati Leelopark, got married. A Seto wedding is a very old pattern, created and traditionally passed down over centuries, supporting the transition into a new stage of life. Last summer, the choir decided to find out if it’s possible to bring this pattern into the present day. During the year-long preparation process and the learning and creating of hundreds of verses, many questions came up. Do we need rituals and patterns developed over centuries in our lives in the 21st century? Can we bring old customs meaningfully into the present day ? Do they still touch contemporary people? Can tradition become real life?
Lummo Kati Leelopark brings to the audiences a journey through the songs of the three days of a Seto wedding. The selection of Seto wedding songs is very rich, most of them in a unique half-tone and tone-and-a-half scale, which leads the listener into a special, forgotten musical world. The wedding songs performed at the concert will be accompanied by the photos from the wedding of Triin Vissel and Erki Rätsep, a wedding, that touched the hearts of all guests and proved that old patterns and rituals are valuable and meaningful for modern people as well.
Lummo Kati Leelopark brings to the audiences a journey through the songs of the three days of a Seto wedding. The selection of Seto wedding songs is very rich, most of them in a unique half-tone and tone-and-a-half scale, which leads the listener into a special, forgotten musical world. The wedding songs performed at the concert will be accompanied by the photos from the wedding of Triin Vissel and Erki Rätsep, a wedding, that touched the hearts of all guests and proved that old patterns and rituals are valuable and meaningful for modern people as well.
MandoTrio
Estonia
at - I Kirsimägi
MandoTrio – three men, three mandonlins. In addition to mandolins, the trio also uses the bass drum and the octaver. That gives the chance to be contemporary in sound while simultaneously rooted in tradition.
Sten Aamer - mandolin
Kristjan Kuusmik - octave mandolin
Tanel Sakrits - mandola
Sten Aamer - mandolin
Kristjan Kuusmik - octave mandolin
Tanel Sakrits - mandola
Maqamat Ensemble & Nissim Lugasi
Israel
at - I Kirsimägi
at - Kaevumägi
Maqamat is a unique group of master-level musicians that was created from years of working and teaching together in Maqamat School of Eastern Music, in Safed, Israel. Each of the players brings their own personal voice and decades of exploring specific musical traditions from the Middle East. The breathtaking result incorporates elements from North African Andalusian music, classical Turkish Ottoman music, the sound of the Arabic oud, alongside ancient rhythms and melodies from Persia. These are put together with texts in ancient Hebrew, as well as in Turkish, Persian and Moroccan Arabic.
Nissim Lugasi is a musician, singer and Persian tar player. With 25 years researching and performing classical Persian and Ottoman Turkish singing Nissim is considered to be one of the leading experts in this field in Israel. Besides performing in Israel and abroad, Nissim has served for the last 7 years as musical director of Maqamat School of Eastern Music located in Safed, Israel. He has collaborated with major world artists such as Sahba Motallebi (Iran), Mark Eliyahu (Israel) and Andres Mustonen (Estonia).
“Eastern Jewish Fantasia”
Jews have lived in the Middle Eastern countries for more than 3,000 years, before the existence of Christianity and Islam, scattered throughout the region since ancient times.
In 2,000 years of migration and exile, the Jewish culture maintained old musical traditions and developed new sounds, absorbing different flavours from every local culture with which they shared a land. “Eastern Jewish Fantasia” is an exotic musical journey that crosses boundaries of geography, time and faith – reflecting an Eastern Jewish musical culture that bridges the vibrant spaces of the silk road in Central Asia to the Middle East, to the Mediterranean, to the far West in Andalusia. Unique arrangements and re-linked melodies and texts bring a contemporary intercultural experience that truly reflects historical cultural exchange.
Nissim Lugasi - vocals, Persian tar
Elad Levi - kamanja (Moroccan violin)
Niri Sadeh - vocals, ney flute
Daniel Yaakobi - oud, flamenco guitar
Amitai Ezroni - percussion
Nissim Lugasi is a musician, singer and Persian tar player. With 25 years researching and performing classical Persian and Ottoman Turkish singing Nissim is considered to be one of the leading experts in this field in Israel. Besides performing in Israel and abroad, Nissim has served for the last 7 years as musical director of Maqamat School of Eastern Music located in Safed, Israel. He has collaborated with major world artists such as Sahba Motallebi (Iran), Mark Eliyahu (Israel) and Andres Mustonen (Estonia).
“Eastern Jewish Fantasia”
Jews have lived in the Middle Eastern countries for more than 3,000 years, before the existence of Christianity and Islam, scattered throughout the region since ancient times.
In 2,000 years of migration and exile, the Jewish culture maintained old musical traditions and developed new sounds, absorbing different flavours from every local culture with which they shared a land. “Eastern Jewish Fantasia” is an exotic musical journey that crosses boundaries of geography, time and faith – reflecting an Eastern Jewish musical culture that bridges the vibrant spaces of the silk road in Central Asia to the Middle East, to the Mediterranean, to the far West in Andalusia. Unique arrangements and re-linked melodies and texts bring a contemporary intercultural experience that truly reflects historical cultural exchange.
Nissim Lugasi - vocals, Persian tar
Elad Levi - kamanja (Moroccan violin)
Niri Sadeh - vocals, ney flute
Daniel Yaakobi - oud, flamenco guitar
Amitai Ezroni - percussion
Martin Arak / Aivar Arak / Kalle Vassila
Estonia
at - Traditional Music Center
Three magnificent village musicians bring the magic of the rahvakannel to life, playing instruments that might look different but all sound powerful and strong. These unique instruments were crafted by master Osvald Rossmann.
Aivar Arak, one of the best kannel players in Northern Estonia and the entire country, inherited his love for playing kannel from his father, Helmut-Endel Arak, and has passed it on to his son, Martin Arak. Together, they formed the family ensemble Arak and have performed at bigger and smaller events to share their musical heritage and joy.
Martin Arak was awarded the title of Vabariigi Pillimees (the best musician in the Republic) in 2020. This simple man from Rõngu has found his calling in playing the rahvakannel and keeping the traditions and passion of his forefathers alive.
Kalle Vassila is also an authentic village musician, whose kannel playing enchants the audiences at village dance parties. As a member of the ensemble Häämiil, he enriches local events with his music, showcasing the beauty and richness of folk music.
Aivar Arak, one of the best kannel players in Northern Estonia and the entire country, inherited his love for playing kannel from his father, Helmut-Endel Arak, and has passed it on to his son, Martin Arak. Together, they formed the family ensemble Arak and have performed at bigger and smaller events to share their musical heritage and joy.
Martin Arak was awarded the title of Vabariigi Pillimees (the best musician in the Republic) in 2020. This simple man from Rõngu has found his calling in playing the rahvakannel and keeping the traditions and passion of his forefathers alive.
Kalle Vassila is also an authentic village musician, whose kannel playing enchants the audiences at village dance parties. As a member of the ensemble Häämiil, he enriches local events with his music, showcasing the beauty and richness of folk music.
Midnight Ride
United States
at - Kaevumägi
at - Kaevumägi
Midnight Ride is a band out of Nashville,Tennessee that brings traditional bluegrass to those who have never experienced the true mountain music originated in the hills of Kentucky and expresses a pure and simple life through melody to recreate the ancient tones of years past. The musicians from this band are multitalented and able to play a vast array of songs. Each musician is among the best in what they do, sharing their hard work and passion with others so that they can enjoy what bluegrass truly is about.
This band was founded in Nashville, Tennessee in April 2021 and has been able to share bluegrass with so many who have never heard bluegrass in its truest form. People leave their concerts with an understanding what true mountain music is and have a new appreciation of the skill and harmony that came from Bill Monroe in western Kentucky.
The members of the band are world-class musicians and have played with some of the greatest musicians in bluegrass music. Their talents are exceptional and you can feel their passion for the music in every song, and it reflects in the way others feel and experience the music.
Kenneth Newell - mandolin
Jed Clark - guitar
Kelsey Crews - banjo
David Mansfield III - fiddle
Sam Stuckey - bass
This band was founded in Nashville, Tennessee in April 2021 and has been able to share bluegrass with so many who have never heard bluegrass in its truest form. People leave their concerts with an understanding what true mountain music is and have a new appreciation of the skill and harmony that came from Bill Monroe in western Kentucky.
The members of the band are world-class musicians and have played with some of the greatest musicians in bluegrass music. Their talents are exceptional and you can feel their passion for the music in every song, and it reflects in the way others feel and experience the music.
Kenneth Newell - mandolin
Jed Clark - guitar
Kelsey Crews - banjo
David Mansfield III - fiddle
Sam Stuckey - bass
Nova Lyre
Estonia
at - Traditional Music Center
Nova Lyre is a folk band that consists of three young musicians from South Estonia. They use traditional singing and archaic instrumental music in their compositions, putting them in a contemporary context. With their unusual combination of instruments, Nova Lyre seeks novel and unexpected harmonies from both Estonian and global folk music traditions. The band is inspired by the musical particularities of their home, which create a magical and versatile soundscape.
Liina-Mai Põldsepp - fiddle, hiiu kannel, vocals
Leele Jürjen - cello, vocals
Riko Misnik - Teppo style accordion, vocal
Liina-Mai Põldsepp - fiddle, hiiu kannel, vocals
Leele Jürjen - cello, vocals
Riko Misnik - Teppo style accordion, vocal
OMIRI
Portugal
at - Kaevumägi
at - II Kirsimägi
To reinvent tradition, there’s nothing better than bringing the real players of Portuguese culture to the show itself: musicians and soundscapes from all over Portugal playing and singing as if they were part of the same universe. Not in flesh and blood, but in sound and image, with video field recordings manipulated to serve as a musical base for Vasco Ribeiro Casais's composition and improvisation. OMIRI is, above all, a remix of 21st-century culture, blending forgotten musical practices into one show, making them permeable and accessible to contemporary culture, synchronizing forms and music of Portuguese rural tradition with the language of urban culture.
Vasco Ribeiro Casais - nyckelharpa, viola braguesa, cavaquinho, Portuguese bagpipes, bouzouki
Filipa Peraltinha - dance
Maria Antunes - dance
Vasco Ribeiro Casais - nyckelharpa, viola braguesa, cavaquinho, Portuguese bagpipes, bouzouki
Filipa Peraltinha - dance
Maria Antunes - dance
Piret Päär and Lauri Õunapuu
Estonia
at - Traditional Music Center
There have been thousands of professions throughout the history, some fading into the past while others emerge in the future, only to disappear again. However, there is one profession that we don’t often think about, but that is still one of the most important. This profession does not vanish as long as humanity exists: the tailor. Because: "Who would know the lords from beggars it there were no tailors?"
The tailor’s work determines whether we look like kings or paupers, a suit and tie open doors that are closed to rags. When a profession is so signifiant, it's clear that such a craftsman is worth respecting, even fearing. Those who are feared are also respected. And those who are both feared and respected inspire songs and tales. Who among us doesn't know the tale of the brave tailor? Or the song that often begins with the words: “About the tailor, long time ago …”
There are so many more of these mystical and quirky songs, and we'll share some with you.
Lauri Õunapuu - songs, bagpipe, kannel
Piret Päär - stories (in Estonian)
The tailor’s work determines whether we look like kings or paupers, a suit and tie open doors that are closed to rags. When a profession is so signifiant, it's clear that such a craftsman is worth respecting, even fearing. Those who are feared are also respected. And those who are both feared and respected inspire songs and tales. Who among us doesn't know the tale of the brave tailor? Or the song that often begins with the words: “About the tailor, long time ago …”
There are so many more of these mystical and quirky songs, and we'll share some with you.
Lauri Õunapuu - songs, bagpipe, kannel
Piret Päär - stories (in Estonian)
Priit Pedajas
Estonia
at - Jaak Johanson Stage, Viljandi Baptist Church
Priit Pedajas says: “I have always preferred minor scale over major. I don’t know, I guess the times were like that, everything seemed to be enshrouded in dark light. I remember one poet of that time, whose texts I have used, said that you can’t write, if there’s no pain. I very much agree with that statement and have felt it myself: without pain, you can't write songs. But that's not something people really want to talk about.
All the songs are born out of texts that have deeply touched me or spoken to me. As for the authors whose texts I have set to music, in the seventies, people just read a lot of poetry – at first it was casual reading, but in drama school, it became a duty. Among my friends and like-minded people, there was a strong opposition to what was broadcast on the radio. It wasn’t even ideological, but mainly against the empty estrada. Although, the situation today isn’t much better. Back then, this opposition was particularly clear, and it made folk music even more appealing. The folk music of that time was somewhat different from today’s, which is largely associated with events like the Viljandi Folk Music Festival, where traditional music is prominent. Back then, lyrics were more important.”
Featuring: Andre Maaker - guitar.
All the songs are born out of texts that have deeply touched me or spoken to me. As for the authors whose texts I have set to music, in the seventies, people just read a lot of poetry – at first it was casual reading, but in drama school, it became a duty. Among my friends and like-minded people, there was a strong opposition to what was broadcast on the radio. It wasn’t even ideological, but mainly against the empty estrada. Although, the situation today isn’t much better. Back then, this opposition was particularly clear, and it made folk music even more appealing. The folk music of that time was somewhat different from today’s, which is largely associated with events like the Viljandi Folk Music Festival, where traditional music is prominent. Back then, lyrics were more important.”
Featuring: Andre Maaker - guitar.
Puuluup
Estonia
at - Song Festival Grounds
Puuluup, which began in 2014, is coming to its tenth Viljandi folk music festival (though they lost count at some point along the way). For this anniversary performance, all the members who have ever been part of Puuluup's main lineup will come to the stage, from Ramo Teder to Marko Veisson etc. They will present a musical summary of their mission to popularize the talharpa. In addition to Puuluup's usual songs about sports and agriculture, the performance will include discussions on topics like honey, lingonberries, and regional politics.
Their good friends 5MIINUST were not allowed to join, so the rapping will be kept to a minimum and done politely, with numerous nods to the tradition of the talharpa to compensate for it. As usual, Puuluup will perform with the support of the talharpa and electronic effects, and they will sing in well-known languages as well as in languages that are equally understandable to everyone, although harder to classify.
Their good friends 5MIINUST were not allowed to join, so the rapping will be kept to a minimum and done politely, with numerous nods to the tradition of the talharpa to compensate for it. As usual, Puuluup will perform with the support of the talharpa and electronic effects, and they will sing in well-known languages as well as in languages that are equally understandable to everyone, although harder to classify.
REGIJÄLG
Estonia
at - Traditional Music Center
Regijälg is the gathering of nine singers on the paths of traditional regisongs. Eight of them study folk singing at the University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy with Celia Roose
How have the regisongs touched them, and how to share that with others?
Together, they gather signs from the sod, cuckoo callings from the stones, songs from the woods, melodies from far away, and weave them into a song fabric. Folk songs become traces and clues that lead the listener to previously unknown or familiar musical roads.
How have the regisongs touched them, and how to share that with others?
Together, they gather signs from the sod, cuckoo callings from the stones, songs from the woods, melodies from far away, and weave them into a song fabric. Folk songs become traces and clues that lead the listener to previously unknown or familiar musical roads.
RMP25: Koemets, Krüsban, Leima, Lepasson, Mägi, Mänd, Pihlap, Sakrits, Vaiksoo
Estonia
at - II Kirsimägi
As part of a special project by the creative team of The Folk Music Celebration 2025, a singular concert will be held at this year's Viljandi Folk Music Festival. The Folk Music Celebration "Iseoma" (“My Own”), taking place in 2025, introduces those who keep our music alive – skilled instrumentalists from the past and present, creators and collectors of stories, keepers and conveyors of tradition. The team assembled by the creative director of the festival, Helin Pihlap, brings together top musicians who will share their thrilling collaboration, thoughts, and sources of inspiration with the audiences in Viljandi. Artistic directors of different categories will share insights about their instruments and categories both individually and in duos, trios, and as a joint orchestra.
Liisa Koemets - artistic director of hiiu kannels
Kert Krüsban - artistic director of accordions
Evelin Leima - artistic director of garmons
Kadri Lepasson - artistic director of kannels
Cätlin Mägi - artistic director of bagpipes
Regina Mänd - artistic director of violins
Helin Pihlap - artistic director of unified orchestra and general manager of the celebration
Tanel Sakrits - artistic director of mandolins
Raul Markus Vaiksoo - assistent of the creative team
Liisa Koemets - artistic director of hiiu kannels
Kert Krüsban - artistic director of accordions
Evelin Leima - artistic director of garmons
Kadri Lepasson - artistic director of kannels
Cätlin Mägi - artistic director of bagpipes
Regina Mänd - artistic director of violins
Helin Pihlap - artistic director of unified orchestra and general manager of the celebration
Tanel Sakrits - artistic director of mandolins
Raul Markus Vaiksoo - assistent of the creative team
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RURA
Scotland
at - II Kirsimägi
at - II Kirsimägi
“One of the most exciting bands on the Scottish folk scene” (Songlines), RURA are multi award-winners, and one of Scotland’s most popular folk-based bands. The quartet’s fiery, rugged and progressive instrumentals on fiddle, Highland bagpipes, flute, guitar, keyboards and bodhran has placed them firmly at the forefront of 21st century Scottish folk, and at mainstage highlight at the world’s leading folk music festivals for over 10 years, touring across Europe, Canada, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
RURA returned to stages across the UK and Europe in 2023 with their hotly anticipated fourth studio album, Dusk Moon, inspired by a deep sense of reflection and hope. Renowned for cinematic arrangements that draw from people and landscape throughout Scotland, Jack Smedley, Steven Blake, David Foley and Adam Brown’s spellbinding live show is not to be missed.
Jack Smedley - fiddle
Steven Blake - pipes, whistles, piano
Adam Brown - guitar
David Foley - bodhrán
RURA returned to stages across the UK and Europe in 2023 with their hotly anticipated fourth studio album, Dusk Moon, inspired by a deep sense of reflection and hope. Renowned for cinematic arrangements that draw from people and landscape throughout Scotland, Jack Smedley, Steven Blake, David Foley and Adam Brown’s spellbinding live show is not to be missed.
Jack Smedley - fiddle
Steven Blake - pipes, whistles, piano
Adam Brown - guitar
David Foley - bodhrán
RÜÜT
Estonia
at - II Kirsimägi
The music of RÜÜT is rooted in our native heritage, but its top branches reach into the diversity of the contemporary world. This involves adaptations of both traditional folk songs and old instrumental tunes, alongside original compositions. In the autumn of 2023, the band released their third album. The focus of the new album Kiriküüt is on interpreting imitations of bird songs and nature sounds the musicians have gathered from Estonian folk music archives or directly from the nature. For example, Maarja Soomre found inspiration for the song “Kukumama” at home in Treimani, Pärnumaa, where she heard the common chiffchaff singing silk-solk-silk-solk. She sarted listening to the little bird one summer evening and noticed that it sings at different pitches. She transcribed the bird song into notes and found a folkloric text to go with it.
"Kiriküüt" was released under the German record label Nordic Notes and was nominated for the Best Ethno/Folk/Traditional Album title at the Estonian Music Awards. In 2023, the ensemble also released a collaborative album with Sander Mölder titled Lendas meie kopelisse, which was also released on vinyl.
Maili Metssalu - fiddle, vocals
Maarja Soomre - melodica, kannel, vocals
Juhan Uppin - Estonian diatonic accordion, kannel, vocals
Jaan Jaago - guitar, vocals
"Kiriküüt" was released under the German record label Nordic Notes and was nominated for the Best Ethno/Folk/Traditional Album title at the Estonian Music Awards. In 2023, the ensemble also released a collaborative album with Sander Mölder titled Lendas meie kopelisse, which was also released on vinyl.
Maili Metssalu - fiddle, vocals
Maarja Soomre - melodica, kannel, vocals
Juhan Uppin - Estonian diatonic accordion, kannel, vocals
Jaan Jaago - guitar, vocals
SaJaKa trio
Estonia/Chile/France
at - Traditional Music Center
SaJaka trio is an improbable intercontinental combination between Chile, France, Tunisia and Estonia. Their music encompasses folk and traditional tunes from various parts of the world, transfigured with their unique touch – testament to their eclectic taste and versatile musicianship. For the dance house they have prepared a very special set of dance music from Estonia, Scandinavia and who knows, maybe there’s a Latin twist to it all?
Karoliine-Lisette Kõiv - fiddle
Javier Navarro Lara - double bass
Sami Karkar - percussions, drums
Karoliine-Lisette Kõiv - fiddle
Javier Navarro Lara - double bass
Sami Karkar - percussions, drums
Sänni Noormets ja Liisa Koemets
Estonia
at - Traditional Music Center
Sänni and Liisa are both folk musicians whose greatest passion is the talharpa, currently the most famous traditional instrument in Estonia. At the dance house, they will play their favourite tunes, including dances and songs from the talharpa's home island, Vormsi.
Both are currently active musicians and teachers, and in addition to their other activities, they lead a nationwide talharpa orchestra. Liisaalso has the pleasure to be the artistic director of talharpas at the 2025 Folk Music Celebration.
Both are currently active musicians and teachers, and in addition to their other activities, they lead a nationwide talharpa orchestra. Liisaalso has the pleasure to be the artistic director of talharpas at the 2025 Folk Music Celebration.
Saucējas
Latvia
at - St. John's Church
Saucējas is a traditional singing group presenting songs from the ancient times with amazing, full and powerful singing with clashing and intricate intervals, enthralling contemporary listeners with a vibrant and inspired performance.
The Latvian Academy of Culture's traditional singing group Saucējas is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and its members are united by a common goal: to master and popularize Latvian traditional singing styles and techniques, paying special attention to polyphony, especially in the natural acoustic environments. Throughout its activities, Saucējas has prepared several programs and released five albums, dedicated to various Latvian vocal music traditions. Three albums have received the Latvian Music Industry's awards.
Janta Meža – vocals
Kristīne Jansone – vocals
Vineta Romāne – vocals, percussions
Katrīna Liepa – vocals, violin
Zane Reitere – vocals, violin
Signe Pujāte – vocals, bagpipes
The Latvian Academy of Culture's traditional singing group Saucējas is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and its members are united by a common goal: to master and popularize Latvian traditional singing styles and techniques, paying special attention to polyphony, especially in the natural acoustic environments. Throughout its activities, Saucējas has prepared several programs and released five albums, dedicated to various Latvian vocal music traditions. Three albums have received the Latvian Music Industry's awards.
Janta Meža – vocals
Kristīne Jansone – vocals
Vineta Romāne – vocals, percussions
Katrīna Liepa – vocals, violin
Zane Reitere – vocals, violin
Signe Pujāte – vocals, bagpipes
Sing my (folk) song
Estonia
at - Song Festival Grounds
What does Seto metal sound like, and does rock music have a place for väikekannel? How does a beloved Eurovision singer perform Ukrainian fire-folk, and do the words of the wind come from the seven winds? The audience will get answers to these and many other burning questions on the final evening of the festival, when 7 folk singers and 7 musicians from other genres will come together on stage to perform new folkish versions of each other's tunes. These remarkable musicians are: ALIKA, Ruslan Trochynskyi, OLLIE, Karoliina Kreintaal, Kadri Voorand, Taavet Niller, Meriliis Ojamäe, Jalmar Vabarna, Duo Ruut, Karl-Erik Taukar, An-Marlen, Arno Tamm, Anton Ventsel, EiK. They are accompanied by an outstanding backing band consisting of Marti Tärn, Sofia-Liis Liiv, Villu Talsi, Martin Petermann, and Eric Kammiste. The evening will be hosted by Jaan Jaago, who the folk crowd will recognize from previous events such as "Blind Date" and "Battle of the Bands."
Singer Vinger
Estonia
at - Song Festival Grounds
It has been confessed At Singer Vinger's public performances, that they are actually a folk music ensemble. There's a grain of truth in every joke – several of their well-known songs are based on folk tunes. For example, "Raha" is a Sami folk tune, while the melody of "Sängiängi öö" originates from Senegal. "Oi ma lällas" is recognizably of South Estonian origin. In December of last year, in the very successful ETV show "Suust suhu" (“From Mouth to Mouth”), the band performed a rather wild rendition of the folk song "Nuttev tamm" (“Sink-sale-proo”) and Hardi Volmer's very powerful performance style added several new and exciting colors to it, sometimes even altering the meaning of the song. Taking all that into account, the festival made a proposal to the legendary Singer Vinger to put together a programme for the XXXI Viljandi Folk Music Festival, featuring both the already known Singer Vinger songs with a folk background and new interpretations of folk songs.
Singer Vinger's predecessor was the punk-parodying band Päratrust (1979), followed by Turist (1983) and then Singer Vinger (1986). Since Turist, the style presented has been neuro-rock, and still is today. The band's hits have become iconic over the years and across generations.
Hardi Volmer – vocals
Mihkel Raud – guitar
Kaarel-Eno Raud – guitar
Rein Joasoo – drums
Eerik Olle – bass
Ülo Krigul – keyboard instruments
Singer Vinger's predecessor was the punk-parodying band Päratrust (1979), followed by Turist (1983) and then Singer Vinger (1986). Since Turist, the style presented has been neuro-rock, and still is today. The band's hits have become iconic over the years and across generations.
Hardi Volmer – vocals
Mihkel Raud – guitar
Kaarel-Eno Raud – guitar
Rein Joasoo – drums
Eerik Olle – bass
Ülo Krigul – keyboard instruments
Svjata Vatra
Estonia
at - Kaevumägi
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. On Ukraine's Independence Day, 24 August 2023, Ruslan and Terje Trochynskyi organized a magnificent concert "Ukraine, thanks!" on Tallinn’s Freedom Square, featuring Estonian artists, Tallinn Police Orchestra, the Estonian National Male Choir, Svjata Vatra and Ruslana from Ukraine. In February 2023 the band went on a 10-day concert tour in Canada and played 8 concerts in 6 cities. 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
Erki Reim – guitar, vocals
Ken Einberg – bass guitar
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
Erki Reim – guitar, vocals
Ken Einberg – bass guitar
Rute Trochynskyi – vocals
Symbio
Sweden
at - Kaevumägi
at - Kaevumägi
Symbio is regarded as one of the most prominent new bands from the Nordic Folk & World music scene. With a magical interplay of hurdy-gurdy & accordion, an electrifying stage presence and captivating original compositions, the duo has become known as a phenomenon and have toured extensively in more than 20 countries - Europe, USA and Canada. In 2023 the duo was chosen to perform as the Official Showcase Artist Selection at WOMEX World music Expo.
The music of Symbio has been described as mesmerizing and soulful - where virtuoso folk & electronic dance music meet and becomes a cinematic experience for the listener. Hearing this symphonic duo makes you doubt about the fact that they are only two musicians on stage. Their latest album Endeavour is a sound painting where heartfelt melodies, dreamy soundscapes and hypnotic beats depict life-affirming themes. The album was awarded ”Best Album of the Year” at the Swedish Folk & World music Awards 2023. They met during a jam-session in 2011, and when playing together for the first time, they felt that there was a special energy and musical connection between them. Right there, after their very first meeting, they decided to form Symbio. Since then, their journey as a duo continues to take them to new places, musically and geographically. Symbio’s fourth album will be released in spring 2025.
Johannes Geworkian Hellman - hurdy-gurdy, electronics
LarsEmil Öjeberget - accordion, stompboxes, electronics
The music of Symbio has been described as mesmerizing and soulful - where virtuoso folk & electronic dance music meet and becomes a cinematic experience for the listener. Hearing this symphonic duo makes you doubt about the fact that they are only two musicians on stage. Their latest album Endeavour is a sound painting where heartfelt melodies, dreamy soundscapes and hypnotic beats depict life-affirming themes. The album was awarded ”Best Album of the Year” at the Swedish Folk & World music Awards 2023. They met during a jam-session in 2011, and when playing together for the first time, they felt that there was a special energy and musical connection between them. Right there, after their very first meeting, they decided to form Symbio. Since then, their journey as a duo continues to take them to new places, musically and geographically. Symbio’s fourth album will be released in spring 2025.
Johannes Geworkian Hellman - hurdy-gurdy, electronics
LarsEmil Öjeberget - accordion, stompboxes, electronics
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Tallinn Dance House Musicians
Estonia
at - Traditional Music Center
at - Traditional Music Center
at - Traditional Music Center
A group of musicians who started playing together at Tallinn Dance House. Every second Wednesday they gather in the Diele hall, in Hopner House, 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, rheinländers and flat foot waltzes to the mix. In recent years, the musicians have grown fond of the Estonian Swedes’ dance tunes, including old favourites from Pakri and fresh discoveries from Ruhnu. 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.
This year at the festival, we'll get everyone dancing at the midnight dance house in Traditional Music Centre and in daytime workshops of dance school on the Green Stage. In Friday’s workshop, you can learn dances from the Pakri sland and dance them in the evening at the dance house. On Saturday, we'll teach dances from Ruhnu island. And of course some well-known and lesser-known social dances.
Leanne Barbo - bagpipe, whistle
Monika Väliste - flute, whistle
Jaan Sarv - garmon
Maarja Sarv - fiddle
Natali Ponetajev - garmon, Estonian diatonic accordionl
Aneta Ponetajev - fiddle
Getter Lauk - dance
Victoria Mitt - dance
This year at the festival, we'll get everyone dancing at the midnight dance house in Traditional Music Centre and in daytime workshops of dance school on the Green Stage. In Friday’s workshop, you can learn dances from the Pakri sland and dance them in the evening at the dance house. On Saturday, we'll teach dances from Ruhnu island. And of course some well-known and lesser-known social dances.
Leanne Barbo - bagpipe, whistle
Monika Väliste - flute, whistle
Jaan Sarv - garmon
Maarja Sarv - fiddle
Natali Ponetajev - garmon, Estonian diatonic accordionl
Aneta Ponetajev - fiddle
Getter Lauk - dance
Victoria Mitt - dance
The Baltic Sisters
Estonia/Latvia/Lithuania
at - Traditional Music Center
at - I Kirsimägi
The Baltic Sisters is an international folk music project that was born far from the shores of the Baltic Sea, at the end of 2022 at the world music expo WOMEX, in Lisbon, where three singers from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania first met. It was the passion for sutartinės, ancient polyphonic songs from Lithuania, that initially brought the Baltic sisters together, but now their repertoire also includes Estonian and Latvian music.
At their concerts, the audience can hear Latvian, Lithuanian, and Estonian folk songs both separately and intertwined, resulting in a unique and distinctive musical language.
For the concert of Viljandi Folk Music festival, a fourth Baltic sister, Liene Skrebinska, joins their sisterhood.
Marion Selgall - vocals
Vineta Romāne - vocals
Laurita Peleniūtė - shruti box, frame drum
Liene Skrebinska - vocals, kannel
At their concerts, the audience can hear Latvian, Lithuanian, and Estonian folk songs both separately and intertwined, resulting in a unique and distinctive musical language.
For the concert of Viljandi Folk Music festival, a fourth Baltic sister, Liene Skrebinska, joins their sisterhood.
Marion Selgall - vocals
Vineta Romāne - vocals
Laurita Peleniūtė - shruti box, frame drum
Liene Skrebinska - vocals, kannel
The Singing Tree
Estonia/Latvia/Finland
at - Traditional Music Center
Laura Lehto, Zane Sniķere, and Kertu-Liis Õnnis are three folk musicians with different backgrounds who met through their shared interest in playing väikekannel and singing.
They have been playing their instruments separately for quite some time, but now, when the sounds of the Estonian väikekannel, Finnish kantele, and Latvian kokle are coming together, it is a good chance to share experiences, cultures, and thoughts.
The ensemble plays traditional music from Estonia, Latvia, and Finland, drawing inspiration from the versatile tonal possibilities of väikekannel. Although the group is still young, they debuted with an opening concert at the International Kannel Festival last autumn.
Laura Lehto - Finnish kantele
Zane Sniķere - Latvian kokle
Kertu-Liis Õnnis - Estonian väikekannel
They have been playing their instruments separately for quite some time, but now, when the sounds of the Estonian väikekannel, Finnish kantele, and Latvian kokle are coming together, it is a good chance to share experiences, cultures, and thoughts.
The ensemble plays traditional music from Estonia, Latvia, and Finland, drawing inspiration from the versatile tonal possibilities of väikekannel. Although the group is still young, they debuted with an opening concert at the International Kannel Festival last autumn.
Laura Lehto - Finnish kantele
Zane Sniķere - Latvian kokle
Kertu-Liis Õnnis - Estonian väikekannel
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Tomás del Real
Chile
at - Jaak Johanson Stage, Viljandi Baptist Church
Tomás del Real is a Chilean guitarist, producer and songwriter based in Viljandi, Estonia. He is one of the most prolific musicians of the newer generations of Latin folk artists. This year, Tomás is celebrating 10 years of discography, and to commemorate this milestone he will be performing a very special solo concert at Viljandi Folk Music Festival 2024, which will consist of new takes of some of his most memorable songs from all his albums, among other surprises prepared especially for this event.
Tomás’s fusion folk has inspired a fresh way of presenting the 'New Chilean Folk' and he has been recently nominated as ‘Best Singer Songwriter’ of Chile at Pulsar Awards.
Tomás’s fusion folk has inspired a fresh way of presenting the 'New Chilean Folk' and he has been recently nominated as ‘Best Singer Songwriter’ of Chile at Pulsar Awards.
Trad.Attack!
Estonia
at - Song Festival Grounds
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. This year, the band will celebrate its 10th anniversary! In that time, 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 32 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 Sillamaa - Estonian bagpipes, Jew's harp, glockenspiel, whistles, vocals
Jalmar Vabarna - guitar, vocals
Tõnu Tubli - drums, brass instruments, vocals
Sandra Sillamaa - Estonian bagpipes, Jew's harp, glockenspiel, whistles, vocals
Jalmar Vabarna - guitar, vocals
Tõnu Tubli - drums, brass instruments, vocals
Triuka and Kirit
Estonia/Finland
at - I Kirsimägi
Triuka is a band that delves deep into the roots of Estonian traditional music, while simultaneously expanding its creative boundaries by experimenting with classical music melodies and the grooves typical of rhythm music. The band does not limit itself to adhering strictly to old and well-known traditions, but constantly seeks new sonic landscapes, creating refreshing and innovative musical experiences.
During the concert, collaborative compositions with the Kaustinen band Kirit will also be performed, providing an exciting opportunity to explore and understand the music traditions of both countries and to gain inspiration that enriches the creative expression of both ensembles.
Triuka has performed at the Viljandi Folk Music Festival and has also reached further afield, sharing their music in Denmark and Lithuania. They have been recognized as the Young Traditional Band of 2023.
Aino Rahel Aimla - cello, vocals
Liina-Mai Põldsepp - violin, vocals
Uku Zolgo - Estonian accordion, vocals
Kirit is part of Näppärit of Kaustinen, Finland. Näppärit is a renowned folk music-based pedagogical system where players of every age and skill level play together. Since 1980s Näppärit has fostered hundreds of new players to continue Kaustinen fiddle playing heritage, inscribed into Unesco’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Humanity in 2021. Currently, there are almost 100 children and youth in Kaustinen all-year group, and hundreds participate in short courses all over Finland and elsewhere. Kirit is made of the oldest and most advanced Kaustinen group’s players, who also perform on their own with a varying line-up. Kirit is instructed by Esko Järvelä (of Frigg, JPP, Tallari, Teho etc.)
Kirit is brought to Viljandi through an educational co-operation project with Triuka, workshopping and performing together at both Kaustinen Folk Music Festival and Viljandi Folk Music Festival. The project is funded by Finnish Cultural Foundation.
Iikka Huntus - fiddle
Laila-Sofia Sippola - fiddle
Erkki Virkkala - fiddle
Eeva Virtanen - harmonium
Aliina Vuento - flute
During the concert, collaborative compositions with the Kaustinen band Kirit will also be performed, providing an exciting opportunity to explore and understand the music traditions of both countries and to gain inspiration that enriches the creative expression of both ensembles.
Triuka has performed at the Viljandi Folk Music Festival and has also reached further afield, sharing their music in Denmark and Lithuania. They have been recognized as the Young Traditional Band of 2023.
Aino Rahel Aimla - cello, vocals
Liina-Mai Põldsepp - violin, vocals
Uku Zolgo - Estonian accordion, vocals
Kirit is part of Näppärit of Kaustinen, Finland. Näppärit is a renowned folk music-based pedagogical system where players of every age and skill level play together. Since 1980s Näppärit has fostered hundreds of new players to continue Kaustinen fiddle playing heritage, inscribed into Unesco’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Humanity in 2021. Currently, there are almost 100 children and youth in Kaustinen all-year group, and hundreds participate in short courses all over Finland and elsewhere. Kirit is made of the oldest and most advanced Kaustinen group’s players, who also perform on their own with a varying line-up. Kirit is instructed by Esko Järvelä (of Frigg, JPP, Tallari, Teho etc.)
Kirit is brought to Viljandi through an educational co-operation project with Triuka, workshopping and performing together at both Kaustinen Folk Music Festival and Viljandi Folk Music Festival. The project is funded by Finnish Cultural Foundation.
Iikka Huntus - fiddle
Laila-Sofia Sippola - fiddle
Erkki Virkkala - fiddle
Eeva Virtanen - harmonium
Aliina Vuento - flute
Untsakad
Estonia
at - Song Festival Grounds
Who are the Untsakad?
Untsakad are characters from Estonian folk tales and fairy tales. They are typically small, cunning, and playful creatures who love to joke and sometimes cause mischief. They are a bit like fairies or elves, but the Estonian version.
What do Untsakad look like?
Untsakad are usually depicted as small and cunning beings. They may resemble elves or fairies, often being small and slender, with sharp facial features and cheerful demeanors. Their appearance can vary, but they often wear colorful clothes and hats that give them a playful and slightly magical look. In some stories, they might also be a bit hairy or have other peculiarities that emphasize their wild and nature-connected essence.
Where do Untsakad live?
Untsakad typically live in forests, fields, and other natural places. They prefer to live in areas with many hiding spots where they can perform their cunning tricks and playful pranks. Sometimes they can be found in old farmhouses or barns, where they might hide and cause small mischief, such as hiding household items or interfering with farm work. Their choice of habitat is closely tied to nature, as they are often portrayed as nature spirits or beings connected to the land and forest.
Would you like to know anything else about Untsakad? Come to the nightclub on Saturday, and you'll find out more.
Ilmar Kald - violin
Jaanus Jantson - guitar
Jaanus Põlder - mandolin
Margus Põldsepp - accordions
Marek Rätsep - bass guitar
Tauno Uibo - sound wizard
Untsakad are characters from Estonian folk tales and fairy tales. They are typically small, cunning, and playful creatures who love to joke and sometimes cause mischief. They are a bit like fairies or elves, but the Estonian version.
What do Untsakad look like?
Untsakad are usually depicted as small and cunning beings. They may resemble elves or fairies, often being small and slender, with sharp facial features and cheerful demeanors. Their appearance can vary, but they often wear colorful clothes and hats that give them a playful and slightly magical look. In some stories, they might also be a bit hairy or have other peculiarities that emphasize their wild and nature-connected essence.
Where do Untsakad live?
Untsakad typically live in forests, fields, and other natural places. They prefer to live in areas with many hiding spots where they can perform their cunning tricks and playful pranks. Sometimes they can be found in old farmhouses or barns, where they might hide and cause small mischief, such as hiding household items or interfering with farm work. Their choice of habitat is closely tied to nature, as they are often portrayed as nature spirits or beings connected to the land and forest.
Would you like to know anything else about Untsakad? Come to the nightclub on Saturday, and you'll find out more.
Ilmar Kald - violin
Jaanus Jantson - guitar
Jaanus Põlder - mandolin
Margus Põldsepp - accordions
Marek Rätsep - bass guitar
Tauno Uibo - sound wizard
Vabariigi Pillimehed
Estonia
at - I Kirsimägi
Three musicians who have been awarded the title of Vabariigi Pillimees (the best instrumentalist in Estonia) will perform together at this year’s Viljandi Folk Music Festival: Juhan Uppin, who was the first winner of the title in 2018, Martin Arak, who received the title in 2020, and Kert Krüsban, who was awarded the title in 2022. The title of Vabariigi Pillimees is eternal, so there are three of them in Estonia now, and they all delight the audience with their playing!
Juhan Uppin is one of the best, most respected, and most awarded musicians of his time. In addition to his work as a musician, his daily work also involves music, more specifically teaching and researching folk music. Uppin's “everyday instrument” is the Teppo-style accordion, while his "Sunday instrument" is the kannel. He promises to bring along a few other favourite instruments, as a surprise, to the concert of the three men with the title of Vabariigi Pillimees. Because if you are playing with such glorious accordion and kannel players, you don't necessarily have to play those instruments yourself.
Martin Arak, also known as Kandle-Oss, who won the title in 2020, is a simple man from Rõngu and his hobby is to play the rahvakannel the way his forefathers did. Kandle-Oss, who’s a third-generation folk musician, captivates with his charismatic presence and nimble fingers — and he sings with such vigor that everyone within a kilometre radius wants to join in! Behind his seemingly rough exterior lies the very tender soul and warm heart of a father of two daughters, and that heart is open to his listeners as well. When the village musician Kandle-Oss became Vabariigi Pillimees, even Vanemuine himself offered to lend him his kannel.
Kert Krüsban began to play around with musical instruments as soon as he could lay his little fingers on the small children's garmon that had belonged to his grandfather. Thanks to the Lahemaa Rahwamuusikud, his early experiments turned into real music, and he grew into a skilled accordion player. At the same time, Kert started studying the accordion at Loksa Music School. Later he continued his education at Heino Eller Music School, specializing in folk music accordion. Kert was awarded the title of Vabariigi Pillimees in 2022.
Juhan Uppin - päkarauakannel and Teppo-style accordion
Martin Arak - rahvakannel
Kert Krüsban - Estonian diatonic accordion
Juhan Uppin is one of the best, most respected, and most awarded musicians of his time. In addition to his work as a musician, his daily work also involves music, more specifically teaching and researching folk music. Uppin's “everyday instrument” is the Teppo-style accordion, while his "Sunday instrument" is the kannel. He promises to bring along a few other favourite instruments, as a surprise, to the concert of the three men with the title of Vabariigi Pillimees. Because if you are playing with such glorious accordion and kannel players, you don't necessarily have to play those instruments yourself.
Martin Arak, also known as Kandle-Oss, who won the title in 2020, is a simple man from Rõngu and his hobby is to play the rahvakannel the way his forefathers did. Kandle-Oss, who’s a third-generation folk musician, captivates with his charismatic presence and nimble fingers — and he sings with such vigor that everyone within a kilometre radius wants to join in! Behind his seemingly rough exterior lies the very tender soul and warm heart of a father of two daughters, and that heart is open to his listeners as well. When the village musician Kandle-Oss became Vabariigi Pillimees, even Vanemuine himself offered to lend him his kannel.
Kert Krüsban began to play around with musical instruments as soon as he could lay his little fingers on the small children's garmon that had belonged to his grandfather. Thanks to the Lahemaa Rahwamuusikud, his early experiments turned into real music, and he grew into a skilled accordion player. At the same time, Kert started studying the accordion at Loksa Music School. Later he continued his education at Heino Eller Music School, specializing in folk music accordion. Kert was awarded the title of Vabariigi Pillimees in 2022.
Juhan Uppin - päkarauakannel and Teppo-style accordion
Martin Arak - rahvakannel
Kert Krüsban - Estonian diatonic accordion
Zetod
Estonia
at - 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 celebrated 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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