This year marks the 95th birthday of composer Veljo Tormis, whose music is deeply rooted in the archaic patterns of Estonian folk songs, yet resonates as timeless and contemporary. The “Estonian Music Week” festival in Tartu will feature a concert of Tormis’s works performed by mezzo-soprano Karis Trass, tenor Mati Turi, trumpeter Indrek Vau, and pianist Peep Lassmann.

The Estonian Interpreters’ Festival “Estonian Music Week” invites music lovers to explore and enjoy Estonian musical art in its purest form – esteemed performers will present both beloved classics and lesser-known gems from our composers.

The 2025 festival is dedicated to four great figures: Heino Eller, Veljo Tormis, Arvo Pärt, and Urmas Sisask. Alongside composer evenings, a selection of chamber and solo works will highlight different periods and developments in Estonian music.

The program has been curated by the Board of the Estonian Interpreters’ Union, with each piece paired with a fitting performer, creating interpretations that reveal the works’ most essential and distinctive layers. In total, 41 performers from various fields will bring a rich and diverse musical journey to the audience.

The festival is organized by the Estonian Interpreters’ Union and the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, with support from the Estonian Ministry of Culture, the Estonian Cultural Endowment, and the City of Tallinn.