In 2025, the 95th anniversary of Estonian composer Veljo Tormis will be celebrated with an open creative competition titled "Tormis 95 Song Contest/Võistulaulmine". At the heart of the competition lies Veljo Tormis’s musical legacy, and participation is open not only to singers but also to individuals from various creative fields — whether in music composition, poetry, dance, sculpture, painting, drawing, photography, spoken word performances, installations and fashion design. Performances of Tormis’s music, including music videos and short clips, remain central, but as a community project, the Veljo Tormis Virtual Center is open to all enthusiasts.

Project manager Iti Teder elaborates on the nature of the competition and the meaning of its name.
“New creations inspired by Veljo Tormis's legacy are inherently tied to song, as song was the essence of his work. This is why any creative competition rooted in his legacy can aptly be called a "song contest," with song serving as the primary source of inspiration. Music evokes emotion, and it is from this emotional resonance that new artistic expressions can take shape.

We invite creative individuals and collectives of all forms and genres to participate, whether they are artists, writers, singers, dancers, or musicians. The competition is open to free expression for all age groups, and no limits are placed on ideas. What matters is the creative statement, which serves as a birthday gift for Veljo Tormis.

The jury will evaluate how a work inspired by Tormis — be it a painting, dance, or poem — as long as it conveys the essence of his music. Perhaps someone has something entirely unexpected in mind, like an experimental performance? The bolder and more original the ideas, the more memorable the Tormis 95 anniversary concert-event will be, held on August 7 at Kõrveaia, Kuusalu Parish. We look forward to meeting new creators and aim to provide stage time for everyone and put out some prizes with the support of sponsors.”

Participation Guidelines
To participate in the competition with works in other media (e.g., music composition, dance, poetry, visual arts, etc.), entrants must submit a free form creative statement. This statement should explain how the work connects to Veljo Tormis’s legacy. Please include a photo or a link to the submitted piece.

Entries will be judged by a jury based on their originality, interpretation of Tormis’s work, and how well the piece conveys Tormis’s distinctive sound and atmosphere. Submissions will be evaluated across all genres as the primary goal is to expand the influence of Tormis’s legacy and celebrate his anniversary.

Further details about the competition can be found HERE. The submission deadline is May 7, 2025.
Contact: iti@veljotormis.com; eva@veljotormis.com

Photo: Exhibition of the Kullo Children's Gallery Art Competition "Curse Upon Iron" (Teachers' Paper, 16.04.2010).