Junger Kammerchor Basel won the international choir category of the Tormis 95 choral competition with their performance of Curse Upon Iron, which the jury described as “unbelievably good.” According to the choir’s conductor Tobias Stückelberger, the power of Veljo Tormis’ music lies in its ability to reconnect people with their roots and identity.

Tobias Stückelberger believes the human voice is the most universal instrument, carrying a deeply emotional and personal meaning from the very beginning of life.

According to him, vocal and choral music can communicate complex and multilayered ideas in a way that resonates with listeners regardless of their background. He sees folk music as especially powerful because of its ability to connect people with their roots and cultural identity.

“Folk music connects us to our roots,” Stückelberger said. “I think Tormis does this beautifully — he uses folk music in a way that resonates even with people who may have lost that connection.”

In his view, Veljo Tormis’ choral works allow listeners to rediscover that bond even if they did not grow up with traditional music.

“Even as a Swiss person, I can still feel that sense of connection,” he said. “And that is simply very beautiful.”

The conductor also reflected on the complicated historical relationship with folk music in the German-speaking world, where folklore traditions were politically misused in the past.

“Tormis is an inspiration to me in showing how a nation can reconnect with its folk traditions and move beyond those historical burdens,” Stückelberger explained.

According to Stückelberger, Tormis’ music demonstrates how folk traditions can be approached artistically while still looking toward the future.

Watch the Tormis 95 Singing Contest internationally winning performance HERE.

The jury included Taavi Esko, Jaagup Tormis, Mari Kalkun, Sofia Söderberg and Henrik Dahlgren of Svanholm Singers.
More info about the Tormis 95 Singing Contest is avaliable HERE.

Photo: Giacomo Miglierina