"Forgotten Peoples" is Veljo Tormis's choral masterpiece, portraying six Finno-Ugric tribes along the Baltic Sea. At the concert, over 80 singers from the Choir of the Paris Orchestra (Chœur de l'Orchestre de Paris) will perform three parts of this significant choral cycle: "Izhorian Epic," "Votic Wedding Songs," and "Ingrian Evenings," in the Vadja and Isuri languages, as well as the Inger-Finnish dialect.

Completed between 1970 and 1989, this six-part choral cycle takes on new significance with its second performance in Tartu by the French choir. Conductor Ingrid Mäd notes that the Orchestre de Paris Chorus has studied Tormis's work for nearly two years, previously performing at the Paris Philharmonic concert hall.

"It is particularly special for them to finally perform in Estonia, the homeland of Veljo Tormis, singing about vanishing nations while coming from a country with almost 68 million inhabitants. They bring a unique feel and vocal quality to these works, capturing the magic of performing music from other cultures," Mänd said.

Alyona Movko-Mägi has designed the video and lighting for the concert, with visuals that reflect the living conditions of the Finno-Ugric indigenous people, using selected footage from the Estonian film archive and Lennart Meri's films.

Finno-Ugric Days aim to highlight these forgotten minorities, whose traditional cultures in Russia are at risk of extinction due to worsening conditions and repression.

"Finno-Ugric Days play a crucial role in giving a voice to those neglected in these politically complex times," said Oliver Berg, head of the Tartu 2024 program line. "We must not forget our relatives who, due to historical circumstances, have not enjoyed lasting statehood," he added.

The Finno-Ugric Days program includes an academic seminar organized by the Fenno-Ugria Foundation at the Estonian National Museum library, discussing current issues and future prospects for these tribal peoples. The Finnish-Ugric Film Festival (FUFF) will screen short films and feature films of small peoples and host workshops introducing traditional practices.

On June 15, from 18:30 to 20:00, all ticket holders for the "Forgotten Peoples" concert can visit the Estonian National Museum's permanent exhibition "Echo of the Urals," dedicated to the Finno-Ugric stateless indigenous peoples, focusing on their traditional living environments, artifacts, and unique worldview.

Photo: Denis Allard

Additional information:
Liisa Nurmela, Tartu 2024 communication specialist
liisa.nurmela@tartu2024.ee | +372 5197 4945