The theme of the 2027 festival is “Three–Four!”
“Three-four!”
Every seasoned Viljandi Folk Music Festival fan knows what this code word means and how to
respond. When a musician on stage or an enthusiastic audience member in front of it shouts
“Three-four!”, the whole crowd traditionally answers in unison: “Good band!!!”. (For
festival-goers from afar – so you can practice the call in time – in Estonian it goes: “Kolm-neli!”,
and the answer is “Hea bänd!”). It has become an insider password of sorts, uniting everyone in
the Viljandi Folk Music Festival family. Which is exactly why “Three-four!” was chosen as the
theme of the 34th festival.
It’s the talented performers, devoted to what they do, who can create beauty and offer
inspiration. In other words, “good bands”, to emphasize the second half of the slogan. Whether
they’re playing in 3⁄4 time or in any other time signature. The energetic start of a tune always has
a driving, infectious energy. “Three, four ...” is in fact a cue musicians have been using for at
least a century, to kick off a tune. It’s a signal to the other players: “Here we go!”
The 2027 festival turns its focus to hopeful beginnings and the power of inspiring examples in
keeping tradition alive.
For tradition to spread and thrive, it needs to provide a contagious example. It should encourage
people, naturally, to follow that example. To sing along to a song they’ve heard, to learn a tune,
and to make them their own. There is little hope of inspiring love through force or pressure. A
compelling example is far more likely to encourage people to follow the beautiful customs that
enrich our cultural heritage. May the 34th Viljandi Folk Music Festival be filled with performers
who lead by an inspring example!
P.S. When everything clicks between the band and the audience, “Three-four – good band!”
becomes the audience’s praise and thanks for a joyful performance.
Thank you!
See you at the 34th Viljandi Folk Music Festival, 22–25 July 2027!
Ando Kiviberg
Head of Viljandi Folk Music Festival
Photo from the opening of the 2026 festival: Taavi Bergmann