Estonian Music & Art News - Week 2, October 2025

Estonian Music & Art News - Week 1, October 2025

When I sat down with Estonian composer and intermedia artist Kristjan Kannukene, I knew this conversation would be something special. Kristjan is not only the head of HetkFest, a young but already vital festival for improvised arts in Estonia, but also a musician whose work bridges sound installations, improvisation, and academic research. Currently pursuing his doctoral studies on the symbiosis of viola and voice, he has been exploring ways to merge different sound worlds in

Estonian Music & Art News - Week 4, September 2025

Estonian Music & Art News - Week 2, September 2025

As one of the most celebrated Estonian composrs, Arvo Pärt turns 90 on 11 September 2025. His life’s work stretches over turbulent political eras, spiritual searching, radical stylistic change, and global acclaim. In this blog post we explore Pärt’s lifetime achievements, his place in Estonian and world music, and the many events marking this milestone birthday.

Tallinn, Estonia — From August 18 to September 18, 2025, the ninth edition of the Tallinn Fringe Festival transforms the city into a vibrant stage for boundary-shattering performances from across the globe. Spanning a full month, this festival invites audiences to explore theatre, stand-up comedy, circus, music, cabaret, magic, dance, and more—showcasing creativity without limits.

Estonia, despite its small population of just over 1.3 million, holds a significant place in the world of classical music. Over the past century, Estonian composers have contributed works of striking originality, blending Baltic folk traditions with contemporary trends. From the early 20th century’s national romanticism to today’s digitally distributed works, Estonia’s music scene has continually evolved, embracing new creative and technological possibilities.

Estonian Music & Art News - Week 1, July 2025

Estonian Music & Art News - Week 4, June 2025

Estonian Music & Art News - Week 2, June 2025

Estonian Music & Art News - Week 4, April 2025

Few instruments reflect the soul of a nation quite like the kannel does for Estonia. With its shimmering timbre and timeless shape, the kannel is not just an artifact of folk culture—it is a living, breathing part of Estonia’s musical identity, echoing through forests, festivals, and even modern concert halls. This delicate zither-like instrument has evolved through centuries, carrying with it stories of ancient rituals, national awakening, and artistic reinvention.

Ester Mägi (1922–2021) was one of Estonia’s most distinguished composers, often referred to as the “First Lady of Estonian Music."

Estonian Music & Art News - Week 1, February 2025

Estonian Music & Art News - Week 5, January 2025

Estonian Music & Art News - Week 4, January 2025

I've often been asked by Estonians why I chose to relocate to their country. While my decision involved many factors, one stands out above t

Estonian Music & Art News - Week 3, January 2025

Estonian Music & Art News - Week 2, January 2025