The Veljo Tormis Virtual Center invites the global family of choirs, ensembles and singers to participate in a grand tribute to celebrate the 95th anniversary of the legendary composer Veljo Tormis.

The Veljo Tormis Virtual Center invites the global family of choirs, ensembles and singers to participate in a grand tribute to celebrate the 95th anniversary of the legendary composer Veljo Tormis.

Veljo Tormis is internationally regarded as one of the greatest choral music composers of the modern era who has left an indelible mark on Estonian cultural heritage. Tormis's compositions have brought joy and touched hearts across all continents, resonating in smaller gatherings, folk festivals, and grand concert halls.

The call unites the singer's community, which cherishes and perpetuates the creative legacy of Veljo Tormis. Participants are encouraged to select and perform their favorite Veljo Tormis song(s), capture their performances in a free-form video, upload the videos to YouTube, and share the link with the organizer (contact details provided below). Additionally, social media tags and posts featuring #Tormis95 are highly encouraged!

We recommend choosing well-known and beloved songs by Veljo Tormis:

"Raua needmine" (Curse Upon Iron)
"Eesti ballaadid" (Estonian Ballads)
"Unustatud rahvad" (Forgotten Peoples)
"Sügismaastikud" (Autumn Landscapes)
"Muistse mere laulud" (Songs of the Ancient Sea)
“Lauliku lapsepõli” (The Singer's Childhood)
“Röntüškä” (Röntyshkä)
“Vadja pulmalaulud” (Votic Wedding Songs)
“Ingerimaa õhtud” (Ingrian Evenings)
“Lahemaa laul” (Lahemaa Song)
“Laulu pulmades õpitud” (Songs Learned at Weddings)
“Kui mina hakkan laulemaie” (When I Begin to Sing)
etc.

The main prize of the singing contest offers a unique opportunity to visit Veljo Tormis's birthplace in Kõrveaia, exploring his artistic roots in Kuusalu parish, Estonia. Winners will be chosen by an international jury evaluating the emotional impact, conveying the song's message, vocal clarity, technical proficiency, or innovative approach. Exciting prizes await the standout performances!

A video compilation featuring all submissions will be screened at Veljo Tormis's birthplace on August 7, 2025, as well as shared virtually with the global audience.

*There are no limits to ideas. We also anticipate a composition inspired by Tormis's work, a dance program, and more.

The deadline for submitting videos is May 5, 2025.

For details about the performing forces, timing, English translation of titles, etc., see the complete Works List in Ancient Song Recovered: The Life and Music of Veljo Tormis by Mimi S. Daitz, New Edition, Revised and Augmented, Tartu University Press, 2022. The book is available on the University of Tartu website.

For further information regarding the contest, please contact: iti@veljotormis.com; eva@veljotormis.com.

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