Workshops
Access to the workshops is on a first-come, first-served basis, until all spots are filled. Latecomers will not be admitted.THURSDAY, 24.07
Ööülikool (Night University) unplugged: “Off the ground. Let me go, let me go..."/ Marju Kõivupuu
Theatre TEMUFI hall (Tartu 9)
THU 24.07 at 20.00
The days are long gone when funeral processions moved solemnly by horse-drawn carriage, slowly making their way from a village home to the cemetery. As they approached a nearby farm or settlement, voices would rise in song, announcing to the community that someone was on their final journey. The abundance of funeral songs lives on in old, yellowed song sheets passed down from relatives, some with religious, others with secular lyrics. Songs were sung in church, at the graveside, and around the funeral feast table. By the end of the gathering, the songs could even be quite cheerful. Today, a synthesizer often plays at funerals, and now and then, an elder, who still remembers the old refrains, joins the officiant in a duet. The solemn hymns of the past have given way to the favourite songs of the departed, played softly from recordings, echoing memories rather than traditions.
Funeral singing remains part of our cultural heritage, let’s talk about it and perhaps lift our voices in a melody. For those who have long been gone, and those still on the road ...
Cultural historian and folklorist Marju Kõivupuu has long explored cultural heritage in its broadest sense. But through the decades, she has been especially drawn the death culture among Estonians and other peoples.
FRIDAY, 25.07
Fiddle music from the Isle of Man / Elizabeth Davidson-Blythe (Isle of Man)Chamber Hall of Traditional Music Centre
FRI 25.07 at 12.30
This workshop is for fiddle players who want to develop their technique through the traditional music of the Isle of Man. Led by fiddler Elizabeth Davidson-Blythe, the session will focus on bowing patterns, ornamentation, phrasing, and groove that are typical in Manx music. Tunes will be taught by ear, and players will have the chance to improve control, expression, and style while exploring this unique Celtic tradition. Suitable for intermediate and advanced fiddle players.
The workshop is in English.
Songs with Laposa Julcsi / Laposa Julcsi (Hungary)
Chamber Hall of Traditional Music Centre
FRI 25.07 at 14.30
NÉPI hang-színek – Learn about the musical method of Hungarian folk musician Laposa Julcsi and sing with her during the festival.
In recent years, she has developed a special singing education programme that primarily helps with the musical education of preschool and elementary school children.
Anyone who is interested in expanding their song repertoire or is interested in the method is welcome to join the workshop.
The workshop is in English.
Storytelling / Piret Päär
Theatre TEMUFI hall (Tartu 9)
FRI 25.07 at 15.00
Piret Päär is a storyteller. She has been telling stories for over thirty years, to both adults and children. In addition, Piret runs the Story House. Piret says about her workshop: “We’ll ask, we’ll answer, and we’ll talk.”
Livonian traditional singing – melodies, polyphony and contemporary interpretations / Julgī Stalte (Livonia)
Chamber Hall of Traditional Music Centre
FRI 25.07 at 16.30
In this masterclass, we’ll dive into the rich and unique musical heritage of the Livonians. Participants wil get to know about the distinct features of traditional Livonian singing, melodic structures, ancient song forms, and the use of polyphony.
We’ll also examine how Livonian song traditions are tied to rituals and communal games: we’ll learn and experience a few ritual song-games characteristic of the Livonians, where movement, voice, and shared rhythm come together. The workshop will also touch on ways these songs can be reinterpreted and brought to life in contemporary music.
SATURDAY, 26.07
“Seto leelo punktnoot”/ Janika OrasChamber Hall of Traditional Music Centre
SAT 26.07 at 12.30
The Seto leelo notation system “Seto leelo punktnoot” (dot notation) is a new web application. It allows even those without music reading skills to understand how the polyphony of Seto leelo is constructed, and to begin learning leelo singing themselves.
We’ll explore what each voice sings and try putting together some of the fascinating sound patterns of leelo. We’ll also learn a few simple singing games that help us get off the ground and off the screens.
The workshop is led by an excellent singer and a senior researcher at the Estonian Folklore Archive of the Estonian Literary Museum Janika Oras.
Why do we need traditional culture? / Oleksandr Iarmola (Ukraine)
Chamber Hall of Traditional Music Centre
SAT 26.07 at 14.30
In a beautiful and safe world, we tend to forget what is truly valuable in traditional culture – how it makes us a people and how language, including dialect, defines our thoughts. Traditional culture should not just be a cool spice in our lukewarm soup; it is a matter of survival. Oleksandr Iarmola, the lead singer of the Ukrainian band Haydamaky, speaks about the importance of traditional culture.
The workshop is in English.
Estonians in Siberia / Anu Korb
Chamber Hall of Traditional Music Centre
SAT 26.07 at 16.30
Siberia’s notorious reputation as a land of criminals and forced labor camps has persisted stubbornly, even though from the late 19th century onward, it also became an appealing destination for settlers. By 1918, more than a hundred Estonian settlements had been established in Siberia.
By the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries, however, the Estonian-speaking population in Siberia was aging and shrinking. While the 1989 census counted around 17,000 Estonians in Siberia, by 2002 that number had fallen to just 11,400. Still, northern and southern Estonians, along with Setos, continued to live in different villages. During field trips organized by the Estonian Folklore Archives, researchers encountered both spontaneous singing and performances prepared especially for guests from Estonia.
This workshop explores the rich singing tradition passed down from ancestors, the influence of choral singing and amateur performance on the musical and dance life of Siberian Estonians, and the key role of lead singers in shaping the community’s repertoire.
The workshop is led by Anu Korb, folklorist emeritus of the Estonian Literary Museum.
SUNDAY, 27.07
Ritual Songs from Ukraine / Zhorzhyny (Ukraine)Chamber Hall of Traditional Music Centre
SUN 27.07 at 12.30
Members of the ensemble Zhorzhyny will share insights into traditional Ukrainian calendar and ritual songs. They will sing and also present historical material.
The workshop is in English.
Introduction to traditional music / Annika Mändmaa
Chamber Hall of Traditional Music Centre
SUN 27.07 at 14.30
In this workshop, you can sing and play singing games. You will also hear many fascinating instruments, made of natural materials, all crafted by Annika herself. You can try to get a tune from a shepherd's horn or a goat horn made of birchbark, or try your hand at the väikekannel or talharpa.
In the past, folk music was naturally passed down from parents to children, with people singing together during work and celebrations. Although this tradition has faded, the heritage is still valuable and should be preserved for future generations. Young people may find inspiration in this workshop to explore further on their own, and to ask their parents and grandparents about the lullabies they were sung, how to make leaf and willow whistles, and more.
This workshop is primarily for middle and high school students.
Workshops taking place on several days
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WORKSHOPS TAKING PLACE ON SEVERAL DAYS
Dance School
The Green Stage
FRI 25.07 at 14.00 / Dances from Kihnu island
FRI 25.07 at 18.00 / Lesser-known social dances. Jaan Sarv and Leanne Barbo
SAT 26.07 at 14.00 / Spinning in pairs. Jaan Sarv and Leanne Barbo
SAT 26.07 at 18.00 / Circle games and dances from Saaremaa island. Tammeougu Mari and girls from Sõrve
SUN 27.07 at 14.00 / Circle dances and singing games. Maatasa
To help you dance with confidence and keep the steps straight at the Dance House, Dance School is here to guide you. Talented musicians, singers, and dancers will demonstrate how Estonian villagers and townsfolk once danced. Youngsters from Kihnu will lead traditional Kihnu dances, while Tammeougu Mari and the girls from Sõrve will teach folk circle games from Saaremaa. From the sister festival Sabatants, Jaan Sarv and Leanne Barbo will get even the stiffest feet moving with spirit. And thanks to the Tartu Folklore Club Maatasa, you can learn and join in on singing games and circle dances.
FRI 25.07 at 18.00
Lesser-known social dances.
We’ll dance once-popular social dances that have slipped into obscurity over time – unjustly so. The steps are beginner-friendly, yet offer plenty of joy and discovery for seasoned dancers as well.
SAT 26.07 at 14.00
Spinning in pairs.
Want to dance the polka but worried you’ll trip up or embarrass yourself in front of your partner? We’ve got you covered! We’ll walk you through the basics of turning and spinning using polka and waltz steps, and share some helpful tips along the way. More experienced dancers can practice reverse turns and lend a hand and some inspiration to newcomers, because in between the instructions, there’s plenty of room for joy of dancing!
Morning dance on the beach
Basketball court at Lake Viljandi beach
FRI 25.07 at 10.00
SAT 26.07 at 10.00
SUN 27.07 at 10.00
The best way to start your morning is to listen to the music in the best possible way – through dancing! Mia Marta Ruus and friends ask you to join them on Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning to dance on the basketball court at Lake Viljandi beach so you can start the day well, letting traditional music into your bones and lifting your mood!
We dance old social dances and spice it up with a few waltzes, polkas, flat foot waltzes and rheinländers. Bring a friend or come alone, you’ll find a dancing partner on the court!
Baby singing and playing group / Kreete Viira
Sakala Centre
FRI 25.07 at 11.00
SAT 26.07 at 11.00
SUN 27.07 at 11.00
Target audience: children aged 0–2 with their parents
Traditional music teacher Kreete Viira invites mothers and fathers to bring their babies to the group where they play age-appropriate games, singing games and sing songs which you can memorise and repeat at home to promote the love of traditional culture in your children.
Children’s singing and playing group / Kreete Viira
Sakala Centre
FRI 25.07 at 12.00
SAT 26.07 at 12.00
SUN 27.07 at 12.00
Target audience: children aged 3–6 with their parents
Kreete Viira teaches children and their families age-appropriate games, singing games and songs. Children are welcome to attend with their parents, so that later on, you can play these games at home yourself.
Men’s singing group
Lokaal Sahara (Posti 6)
FRI 25.07 at 11.00 / Ando Kiviberg
SAT 26.07 at 11.00 / Lauri Õunapuu
SUN 27.07 at 11.00 / Urmas Kalla
Target audience: men of all ages, no women allowed.
The mandatory voice and mind wakeup session for all men on all three festival days. Men’s singing group is a chamber of secrets where men twirl their moustaches in the dark, sing manly songs and talk about manly things. Bring your favourite songs to the singing group to share with others.
Women’s singing group
Theatre TEMUFI hall (Tartu 9)
FRI 25.07 at 11.00 / Kairi Leivo
SAT 26.07 at 11.00 / Women from Kihnu
SUN 27.07 at 11.00 / Women from Sõrve
Target audience: women of all ages, no men allowed.
Women have preserved our traditional singing culture throughout centuries. The folklore archive is filled with songs from our female ancestors, where they talk about their thoughts and feelings. Which of these songs speak to the women of today? Which songs will the women of today leave to their children? We invite all women to join us on three festival mornings to sing about what you’re thinking and feeling. Bring your favourite songs with you so you can share with the others.