To mark the 100th anniversary of Veljo Tormis's birth, a jubilee year logo is being developed in collaboration with the Department of Design at the Estonian Academy of Arts (EKA) as part of the LAETUS programme.

To gather inspiration for the project, graphic design students, together with Head of Department Ott Kagovere, visited Veljo Tormis's birthplace, Kõrveaia. They were welcomed by Ulvi Rand, Taavi Esko, Iti Teder and Mia Kukk, who introduced the composer’s life, the distinctive character of his creative work, and his international legacy.

Ulvi Rand and Taavi Esko provided an overview of Tormis's formative years and artistic career. The group explored the Kõrveaia farm complex and, under Taavi Esko’s guidance, took part in singing traditional Estonian runic songs. The students gained a deeper understanding of Tormis’s worldview and heard Esko’s personal memories of the composer as both a colleague and a friend.

The visit also included discussion of the annual event series Tormis Kõrveaial ("Tormis at Kõrveaia"), through which many renowned ensembles and artists have performed in the farmyard over the years. The group also recalled the worldwide singing competition organised in celebration of Veljo Tormis’s 95th birthday, whose award ceremony likewise took place at Kõrveaia.

We are delighted that such a special place exists, a place to which we can always return. Our heartfelt thanks to the Nurja family for their warm hospitality.

The unveiling of the Tormis 100 logo is expected in early 2027.