This week’s recommendations may seem a bit Estonian centred and that has a really good reason. Namely, the  24th of February is our 99th Independence Day.

Concert series “SOUNDandLANGUAGE”: Cloud over the Moon
20 Feb
New building of the Estonian National Museum

The second concert project of the concert series “SOUNDandLANGUAGE”, which is dedicated to disappearing languages and cultures, has fatefully assumed a special meaning. On January 21, 2017, the main author of the concert repertoire, Veljo Tormis, passed away. The music of Tormis is at the concert intertwined with poetry by Kauksi Ülle and the new Finno-Ugric-themed works by three young Estonian composers – Marianna Liik, Maria Kõrvits, and Piret Pajusaar.

FilmTuesdays: Priit Pärn retrospective
21 Feb
Tallinn Cinema House / Kinomaja

Four screenings / four Tuesdays are dedicated to the masters of Estonian cinema, who have been selected to the programme, offering a film selection curated by experts in the cinema hall of the union. The screening is followed by moderated discussion with the filmmaker.

99th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia
24 Feb
Great Guild Hall of the Estonian History Museum

The independence day  programme includes Mati Mandel talking on the subject “On the Paths of the Forest Brothers”, concert “Songs of the Forest Brothers” by Margus Põldsepp and Sulev Salm and also Ivar Leimus’s tour “The Story of Estonian People”.

Independence Holidays in Estonian National Museum
23 Feb – 25 Feb
New building of the Estonian National Museum

On the 99th birthday of Estonia it is possible to taste freedom with Metsatöll, Lotte, Estonian singing folks, Air Force orchestra of the United States, and Popsid. On Independence Day, Estonian National Museum offers pre-registered guided tours to the permanent exhibitions “Encounters” and “Echo of the Urals”.

Exhibition “Folk Costume – Pure Beauty”
16 Feb – 23 Apr 2017
Kuressaare Fort, basement exhibition space

The sets of folk costumes and separate items exhibited at the exhibition were made in 2014-2016 at the folk costume workshops held by NPO Saaremaa Handicrafts Society Kadakmari. The workshop was completed by 22 women, who made a total of 30 sets of folk costumes, two of which represent continental Estonia (women’s clothes of Pärnu county and Türi), and the rest men’s, women’s, and children’s clothes of the ten parishes of Saaremaa.

Family day “Home is Here”
24 Feb
Eduard Vilde Museum

On the anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, everyone is welcome to Kadriorg to celebrate the festive day in Tallinn Literary Centre’s Tammsaare and Vilde museums. The family day “Home is Here” will offer music, time travel, workshops, and horse-carriage rides.

Anniversary of the Republic of Estonia in the museum of Eesti Pank
24 Feb
Eesti Pank Museum

On February 24, Eesti Pank Museum is open at 11–15. During the day, they give an overview of the historical events that have unraveled in the buildings of Eesti Pank, organise versatile activities for children and families, and hold a Russian-language tour. Entrance is free of charge and everyone is welcome.

Concert by Estonian National Male Choir
24 Feb
Tallinn Creative Hub

Author’s concert by Pärt Uusberg, Estonian National Male Choir and with the author himself conducting. Works by Pärt Uusberg to the texts of Estonian poets Ernst Enno, Juhan Liiv, and Karl Ristikivi. Cycle “Expanses of Ernst Enno…” (premiere).

ENSO: Alternative Energy
25 Feb
Estonia Concert Hall

The audience will be shaken by this concert combining electronic and orchestral music conducted by ENSO’s principal guest conductor Olari Elts, who keeps expanding his grasp each year, with critics offering him increasingly higher praise