The forum starts at 14:35, there is a small 2 minute hiatus with the sound at the beginning, we apologize.
Virtual forum for Global Estonians - HOME CALLS
This summer, both the Song and Dance Festival and the 13th World Estonian Days ESTO 2025 will take place in Estonia. In addition, we will celebrate Arvo Pärt's 90th anniversary and the 500th anniversary of the publication of the first book in Estonian. It hasn't been such a great year in a long time!
At the heart of this virtual forum is everything that creates and maintains the cultural identity of Estonians – tradition, music, nature and literature.
Kontakt: diasporaa@mfa.ee
The channel opens at 15:45
16:00
Introduction by the moderator, Ave-Marleen Rei
Greeting by Minister of Culture, Heidy Purga
Interview with Anu Kivilo, Director of the Arvo Pärt Centre
Stories of Estonians: Estonian Children's Choir in Switzerland
THE ROLE OF THE SONG AND DANCE FESTIVALS IN ESTONIAN CULTURE
This year, 64 Estonian groups from abroad have qualified to participate in the Song and Dance Festival.
Agne Kurrikoff-Herman – Folk dance leader, Editor at the Estonian Song and Dance Celebration Foundation
Hirvo Surva – Conductor, Estonia Boys’ Choir, Artistic Director of ESTO 2025
Stories of Estonians: Jordan Brodie, third-generation Estonian who has moved to Estonia
Stories of Estonians: Nora Sööt, on the ESTO 2025 Global Estonian Cultural Days youth program in Narva
Musical interlude featuring the works of Arvo Pärt
Pianist Auli Teppo
17:00
Video postcard from the Estonian community in Perth, Western Australia
500 YEARS OF THE ESTONIAN BOOK
WHAT TO DO IN ESTONIA IN THE SUMMER?
From exhibitions on exile literature to recommendations of modern Estonian books and e-books
Jan Kaus – Writer
On Estonia’s sacred natural sites
Ahto Kaasik – Researcher of folk culture and sacred natural sites, Board Member of the Hiite Maja Foundation
Closing reflection with music:
Indrek Laul – Entrepreneur and pianist, Director of Estonia Piano Factory
Approximate end at 17:50
The forum is hosted by journalist Ave-Marleen Rei
