Klassikaraadio Host Marge-Ly Rookäär: "This year marks the 95th anniversary of Veljo Tormis' birth, and to celebrate this occasion, the Veljo Tormis Virtual Center has launched a large-scale campaign. How has it been going? Our guest today, Iti Teder, will tell us more. Hello!"

Project Manager Iti Teder: "Hello everyone!"

Marge-Ly: "How are things at the Virtual Center in this Tormis anniversary year?"

Iti: "We've been very active, thank you! In collaboration with the Estonian Choral Association and cultural attachés, we have organized a competition open to everyone. The Veljo Tormis Virtual Centre's contest is not just for singers, choirs, and ensembles but also welcomes dancers, composers, poets, and visual artists. Participants can submit paintings, drawings, sculptures, fashion designs, spoken word performances, installations, or experimental performances. Our goal is to engage and unite Tormis’ music enthusiasts and provide participants with an opportunity to perform at the Tormis 95 Grand Tribute, which will culminate at Kõrveaia on August 7."

Marge-Ly: "What are the conditions for participating in the Singing Contest? What can be performed?"

Iti: "Participants need to choose their favorite song from Veljo Tormis’ repertoire. They can perform multiple songs if they wish. The performances should be recorded in a free format using readily available means and uploaded to YouTube and the link should be shared with us. The deadline for submissions is May 7, 2025. If someone is participating with an artwork that cannot be filmed, they need to submit a creative statement. All submissions will be showcased both at Kõrveaia and online via YouTube Premiere on August 7."

Marge-Ly: "So a group of friends can participate, even without a choir? If we like a Tormis song or a piece of regilaul that he has used, we can record ourselves performing it, upload it, and we are officially part of the competition?"

Iti: "Yes, exactly! A small concern has been that choirs want to submit their best video since the beginning of their inception, which is completely understandable. However, since this is not always possible. We certainly do not expect professional video production, which can be both expensive and time-consuming. What matters most is a shared tribute to our composer and bringing together admirers of Tormis' music from all over the world."

Marge-Ly: "How will the submissions be judged, and who is on the jury?"

Iti: "We are assembling a small jury, with the first confirmed member being Taavi Esko. We hope to include international experts as well. The jury will primarily evaluate how well the work conveys the essence and spirit of Tormis’ music. Creative and exciting ideas are highly encouraged! The grand prize is a trip to Kõrveaia With the help of sponsors, we are giving two foreign choir conductors—one from Europe and another from further away—the opportunity to visit Veljo Tormis’ birthplace and connect with his roots!"

Marge-Ly: "Are the submitted videos immediately visible to the public?"

Iti: "We decided to keep them a surprise. We are already in touch with various creative organizations, and participants are very excited. We encourage everyone to join and invite their friends to participate!"

Marge-Ly: "Where can participants find sheet music and song materials?"

Iti: "We are always happy to help with finding sheet music through publishers. Additionally, old songbooks are available in various archives. Veljo Tormis’ music is quite accessible."

Marge-Ly: "What is the broader purpose of this campaign?"

Iti: "This is an opportunity for self-expression and for leaving a personal mark. Many Estonian musicians and composers have been influenced by Veljo Tormis, and we want to highlight his impact. Besides music, Tormis was also deeply connected to nature, and his environmentally-themed songs are becoming increasingly relevant today. Our larger goal is to strengthen the international Tormis community and promote his music worldwide."

Marge-Ly: "Has the Virtual Centre noticed increased interest in Tormis’ work?"

Iti: "Yes, we have seen a steady rise in performances and recordings of Tormis’ works, and people actively seek information about him. Our role is to act as a hub for this information and to continue bringing attention to his legacy."

Marge-Ly: "We hope to meet everyone at Kõrveaia (or online) on August 7, 2025! Thank you, Iti Teder from the Virtual Center, for joining us, and best of luck to all participants!"

The Veljo Tormis Virtual Centre invites everyone to participate in the Tormis 95 Singing Competition. The deadline for submissions is May 7, 2025. All contest details are available in both Estonian and English. Find out more HERE and HERE.