Song and Dance festival in Tallinn Estonia, July 2-5 2009
Great news for fans living outside Estonia. We had minor problems with international orders, but now it`s solved. International customers can order Estonian Song and Dance Celebration DVD-s from Apollo internet bookstore. You can pay by credit card and shipping takes usually 5 days.
Song festival first day: http://www.apollo.ee/product.php/0991910
Song festival second day: http://www.apollo.ee/product.php/0991927
Here`s the popularity chart made by internet users 
Looks like festive parade video beats other competitors.
After I showed “The Singing Revolution” to my foreign friends, they understood why Estonians love to sing and dance and why this is so important to us. And fellow Estonians, I recommend it to you as well!
First occupied by the Soviets in 1939, then by the Nazis, and then by the Soviets again, Estonia lived through decades of terror. By the end of World War II, more than one-quarter of the population had been deported to Siberia, been executed, or had fled the country. Music sustained the Estonian people during those years, and was such a crucial part of their struggle for freedom that their successful bid for independence is known as the Singing Revolution. The Singing Revolution is the first film to tell this historically vital tale.
More information about “The Singing Revolution” documentary: www.singingrevolution.com
Maybe you have wondered why Estonian Song and Dance Celebration in 2009 was named “To Breathe as One”. I`ll try to explain with the help of Estonian Song and Dance Celebration Foundation who came to this name at first place.
“It is not a coincidence that in the Estonian language the word’s “soul” and “breathing” come from the same stem. One word developed from the other, because breathing and soul are connected. Even so closely connected that if you breathe in the same rhythm with someone, with a little luck it is possible to see his soul. The same magic works when tens and thousands breathe as one. They look for the right place in a hurry, gasping for breath. They hold their breath in anticipation. They rejoice from their heart and soul. This is when the souls of one nation meet. It is breathtakingly beautiful. By breathing as one, history can be changed. The vibrations of the soul create a resonance that has broken iron and brought down political regimes. But it is not the only aim of breathing as one. This celebration unites us with those who sang and danced before us, as well as with our contemporaries whose soul may go unnoticed in the everyday rat race. When people breathe as one, it does not matter whether you face the audience of the performers of whether you are somewhere else instead. When you breathe with others as one, your soul is there.
It is time for a nation to breathe as one again.”
I hope this helped to solve “the riddle”
Source of the article: http://www.laulupidu.ee/eng/celebration_in_2009/
Once you have heard this song, you want hear it more and more..
“Ta lendab mesipuu poole” (He flew towards beehive) is a poem by Juhan Liiv and composition by Miina Härma and Peep Sarapik. Juhan Liiv (30 April 18641 December 1913) is one of Estonia’s most famous poets.
Tuljak has been played since 1934 in every dance celebration (also song celebration). People have compared “Tuljak with “Mu isamaa on minu arm,” because both of the tunes are very important to Estonians and in Estonian history. Music M. Härma, lyrics K. F. Karlson. One of our favourites!
One of the most important songs for Estonians. First composition by Aleksander Kunileid, lyrics Lydia Koidula. This song was first set to music 1869 at the first Estonian Song Celebration. Second composition which is more know for public was done by Gustav Ernesaks in 1944.
“Mu isamaa on minu arm” (My Country is My Love) became the unofficial anthem during the Soviet occupation when her father’s (Johann Voldemar Jannsen) “Mu isamaa, mu õnn ja rõõm” (My Country is My Pride and Joy), the anthem of the Estonian Republic in 1921-1940 was forbidden. Koidulas song always finished every festival, with or without permission. The tradition persists to this day.
Lyrics:
My Country is My Love,
to whom I´ve given My Heart.
To You I sing, my greatest happiness,
My flowering Estonia!
Your pain boils in My Heart,
Your Pride and Joy makes my happy,
My Country, My Country!
My Country is My Love,
I shall never leave Her,
even if I must die hundred deaths
because of Her!
Does the foreign envy slander,
You still live in my Heart,
My Country, My Country!
My Country is My Love,
and I want to rest,
to lay down into Your Arms,
My sacred Estonia!
Your Birds will sing Sleep to Me,
flowers will bloom from My Ashes,
My Country, My Country!
The nationwide Song Celebration tradition began with the first Song Celebration in Tartu, June 18- 20, 1869. This was mostly due to the growing hobby of singing and wind-instrument playing in the first half of the 18th century (in Kanepi, Põlva, Laiuse, Torma, Põltsamaa and in other places of Estonia). Common singing days were held- choirs gathered to sing in Anseküla (1863), in Jõhvi (1865), in Uulu (1867) etc. In the 19th century, Estonia was a province of a Russian Empire where German upper class landlords ruled the Estonian lower class- the peasants.
1860 marks the beginning of the period of the National Awakening. A singing society led by Johann Voldemar Jannsen started and carried through the nationwide idea of Song Celebration. 51 male choirs and brass bands with 845 singers/musicians gathered in Tartu. Only two songs of Estonian origin were in the festival program at that time, “Mu isamaa on minu arm” and “Sind surmani”, music written by Aleksander Kunileid, lyrics by Lydia Koidula- but the greater meaning they obtained. The first Song Celebration was both a musical and political event, where the foundations to the further national awakening program were laid out. So it could be said that the Estonians’ sense of belonging and dreaming of a better future are closely connected from the beginning with the All- Estonian Song Celebrations. The term “the singing nation” expresses well the Estonians’ identity that has united the nation in their struggle for their national independence till 1918 and during the period of the Soviet Occupation (1941- 1991).
![Aleksander Kunileid [22. XI 1845-27. VII 1875] - the man who wrote music for "Mu isamaa on minu arm" and "Sind Surmani". He was one of the founders of Estonian national choir music and singing.](http://tobreatheasone.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/aleksander_kunileid1.jpg?w=174&h=244 "Aleksander Kunileid [22. XI 1845-27. VII 1875] - the man who wrote music for \"Mu isamaa on minu arm\" and \"Sind Surmani\". He was one of the founders of Estonian national choir music and singing.")
During 1879- 1910 six Song Celebrations were held that played an important part in the nation’s cultural and economical awakening and growth. In the independent Estonian Republic the Song Celebrations were held in every five years (1923- 1938). After World War II, the Song Celebration tradition began again in 1947. Since 1950 General Song Celebration were held in every five years again. 1969 was an exception though when 100th anniversary of the Song Celebration was celebrated. The last XXIII Song Celebration was held in Tallinn, July 3-4, 1999.
The foreign authorities have tried to use the Song Celebrations in their own interests. During the reign of the Russian czar the Estonians were forced to hold Song Celebrations in order to thank the czar, and the Soviet regime always tied the Song Celebration to the “red holidays”. Foreign songs had to be sung in order to preserve the chance to sing Estonian songs. A good example is “Mu isamaa on minu arm”, music by Gustav Ernesaks, lyrics by Lydia Koidula, that during the occupation years became an unofficial anthem for the Estonians, and which, performed by joined choirs to the standing audience, ended every Song Celebration. The singers, musicians, conductors and composers with Gustav Ernesaks at the head, became, in a way, the “representatives” of the nation embodying Estonia’s best attempts.
In 1988, with the Song Celebration as a role model, began the so called “singing revolution” when hundreds of thousands of people gathered in the Tallinn Song Celebration Grounds to make political demands and sing patriarchal songs. Concerning the Song Celebrations there are two beliefs in the Estonian conscience. The first one says that in 1869 a nameless country folk sang themselves to a European nation and the other, the latter, confirms that Estonians sang themselves their independence. The I, II, IV and V Song Celebrations took place in Tartu, the rest in Tallinn. The present Song Celebration Grounds beheld the first festival (IX Song Celebration) in 1928, on a specially erected stage. The present stage was built in 1960, when the XV Song Celebration took place. The biggest joined choir that has ever sang on that stage was 24.500 people (during the Song Celebration Anniversary in 1969). The joined choir usually comprises of 18.000 people, the whole Song Celebration team of 25.000- 30.000 people.
As the tradition of the Song Celebration has developed, the types of different choirs have become more numerous and the number of participants- singers/musicians has grown as well. There are always more performers than actually fits the stage. Only the best choirs get the chance to perform at a Song Celebration.
Source: http://www.laulupidu.ee/eng/history/song_celebrations/
Within the framework of the Estonian Song and Dance Celebration, a merchant originating from Estonia, Margus Reinsalu, and the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs organised a reception to world famous Estonians. Among ca 100 guests, there were such well-known names as a top model Carmen Kass, a professional footballer Mart Poom, the President of Estonia Toomas Hendrik Ilves, the biggest investor of Hotmail and Skype Steve Jürvetson, a world-famous architect Tõnu Altosaar, and many others.
To take advantage of the time when many well-known Estonians visit their homeland due to the Song and Dance Celebration, which is of a very big importance for Estonia, there was a reception in July on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Urmas Paet and the merchant and the Moroccan Honorary Consul to Estonia Margus Reinsalu to thank those who have helped to form the reputation of Estonia with their activities abroad. According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Paet, famous Estonians were invited to the reception from all over the world whatever the field they represent. Paet mentioned that those people that were present at the reception have introduced Estonia by their very professional activity.
The reception took place in a historical Oandu watermill belonging to Margus Reinsalu that he renovated with an objective to preserve the Estonian historical heritage. President of the Republic of Estonia, Toomas Hendrik Ilves, together with his wife had come to greet the famous Estonians. In July last year, Reinsalu organised the Morocco’s Throne Day at the Oandu watermill, which is the most important civil holiday in the Kingdom of Morocco.
KC Grupp founded by Margus Reinsalu is dealing with large volume real estate projects in Morocco and Brazil. The favourites of the entrepreneur are fast cars, his company Tone Tea has concluded a contract with a Spanish formula team participating in GP2 to advertise a fat burning drink known under the brand Fat Burner. Reinsalu highly appreciates the Estonian Song and Dance Celebration and helps to promote it in the wide world via a local Estonian PR company.
More photos available here: www.flickr.com/photos/tobreatheasone
Enjoy
This year 14 countries were represented in Tallinn Song and Dance Celebration. Take a look at the full list below. In addition to performers, spectators and journalists all over the world visited the festival, too.
List of foreign performers:
Together with local groups, there were 37 000 singers, musicians, dancers and gymnasts.
We launched YouTube channel, Twitter feed, Flickr site, Facebook and this blog almost two weeks ago on 30th of June. We have tried to upload new and important information every day, update YouTube channel and put new photos to Flickr. In 12 days we have achieved to get more than 7000 visits (excl RSS) to this blog, 238 followers in Twitter, 14,000 visits to Flickr, some subscribers in YouTube and 1700+ fans on Facebook.
So far, Facebook’s fan site is definitely the most successful and popular medium, followed by Flickr and YouTube channel To Breathe As One.
Although the above mentioned results are not bad for dozen days, we planned to get information about Song and Dance Celebration to lot more people. Saying that, we call for YOUR help.
Please help us spread the word of wonderful Estonian folk and choir music and folk dance traditions. We are going to update all of these social networks for a long time, because at this time these are the only up-to-date English language sites about Song and Dance Celebration.
We have stated many times that all photos on Flickr are free to use: upload them to your blog, Twitpic, site or any other public place. The same applies to this blog’s content – please feel free to share it with your friends, your blog visitors and local media channels.
We highly appreciate your contribution and support!
Thank You!
We have reported earlier that for Song and Dance Celebration many special products were made. We mentioned laptops with traditional Estonian patterns from Elisa and souvenir coins from the Bank of Estonia. Among of the most popular items were socks from Suva, the oldest hosiery manufacturer in Estonia.
Now Suva reports that they sold a record breaking number of socks during the celebration days.
According to sales director Kristel Idol, Suva did not plan sales numbers, but sold more than expected. She mentioned that etno socks were especially popular among foreign guests. She also said that many buyers started to wear socks right after buying, others bought tens of pairs for presents.
Originally, socks were designed by students from Estonian Academy of Arts. Later on, Suva bought production rights and now it’s a worldwide success.
In case you missed the celebration in Estonia, but want to wear socks or tights with beautiful Estonian folk patterns, you can buy them online from Suva. A pair of socks cost only 29 EEK or 2,5 USD!
Yesterday we uploaded a short video from a fan of Song and Dance Celebration.
Now we have uploaded it here, too:
Best photos from Song and Dance Celebration Festive Parade in Tallinn, Estonia.
The Festive Parade is a 6 kilometers (4 miles) walk from city center to Song Festival Grounds. This year 37 000 singers, musicians, dancers and gymnasts walked, danced and singed through the city. It took more than five hours, but was great fun for performs and spectators.
A lot more p
h
oto
s on our Flickr site www.flickr.com/photos/tobreatheasone
Best photos from Song and Dance Celebration Festive Parade in Tallinn, Estonia.
The Festive Parade is a 6 kilometers (4 miles) walk from city center to Song Festival Grounds. This year 37 000 singers, musicians, dancers and gymnasts walked, danced and singed through the city. It took more than five hours, but was great fun for performs and spectators.
Lots of VIP’s from all over the world visited Estonian Song and Dance Celebration in Tallinn last weekend. Here’s a small gallery of them, including President of Estonia Toomas Hendrik Ilves, Prime Minister Andrus Ansip, former president Arnold Rüütel, Johannes Kert, Ivari Padar etc. Take a look and feel free to share them with others.
I’ve heard from many people that the festive parade was definitely the best part of celebration. Of course it’s the matter of opinions, but no doubt – it was really impressive. I was watching the parade for 4 hours and enjoyed every second of it. More than 30 000 musicians, singers, dancers and gymnasts walked ca 6 kilometers from the beginning in the city center to the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds in Pirita. If you have ever been in New Orleans during Mardi Gras then you might get the idea, the essence and spirit of Estonian Song and Dance Celebration Festive Parade.
We have put together best parts of 6 hour parade to this almost 6 minutes video . Enjoy!
Estonian television (ERR) has made 3 DVD-s from the celebration days.
1. Dance celebration DVD
2. Song celebration DVD first one
3. Song celebration DVD part two (on sale 20th July)
One DVD costs less than 10 dollars. To order these DVD-s, please e-mail pood@err.ee. They have e-shop only in Estonian language, so it`s better to e-mail.
Good luck!
Tonight at 7.16 ended the 25th Estonian Song Celebration in the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds. It was the biggest celebration after Estonia declared re-independence in 1990s.
The Estonian Song Celebration started on Saturday, 4th of July with a five hour festive parade where 37 000 singers, musicians and folk dancers walked from city center to the Song Festival Grounds.
Saturday’s repertoire consisted of mostly contemporary Estonian folk songs and opera tunes from Verdi and Wagner. Traditional Estonian folk songs from 19th and 2Oth century dominated Sunday’s performances.
On Saturday 75 000 Estonians gathered to Tallinn Song Festival Grounds (Lauluväljak in Estonian) to enjoy choir music. 52 000 tickets were bought to Estonian most important celebration. In addition to that, lots of invited guests and media representatives were present.
On Sunday 68 000 tickets were bought to the Song Celebration To Breathe as One to listen to 27 000 (excluding teachers, accompanists and organizers) singers and musicians, playing popular Estonian folk songs. At the very first song festival, only male choirs were allowed to take part, but today singing was done by a variety of male, female, mixed and children’s choirs.
The above mentioned ca 100 000 people on capital city Tallinn festival grounds is almost double the number of people who attended Michael Jackson’s performance 12 years ago. Michael Jackson performed at the same stage in Tallinn in 1997 to 60 000 fans.
Song and Dance Celebration in number:
Beginning: 2nd of July
864 Estonian choirs and orchestras
26 430 singers and musicians
534 dancer’s and gymnast’s teams
7460 dancers and gymnasts
41 foreign collectives
1340 foreign musicians, singers, dancers and gymnasts
Next Estonian Song and Dance Celebration will take place in Tallinn in 2014 (starting on 4th of July)
Sorry for the delay with celebration video clips that were supposed to be on YouTube yesterday. As soon as we receive them from celebration organisers, we`ll upload them and let you know.
Sincere apologies!
Some things to do and not to miss today:
At 2 PM in Admiraliteedi Inlet starts the festive parade. If you are visiting Tallinn, do not, in any circumstances miss it. When you watch it (or take part of it), you’ll never forget the proud feeling and have life-long memories to share with your family, kids and grandchildren.
We will be tweeting about it, too.
Starting in Admiraliteedi Inlet, the parade continues along Mere puiestee street, then to the Vabaduse väljak Square and about 2 hours later it will arrive in the Song festival Grounds at the Sea in Pirita city district.
Today at 7 PM starts the first concert of the Song Celebration.
There are many choirs performing on the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds. The full list of choirs in order of performance:
