CONCERT of XII Youth Song Celebration “Here I’ll Stay”
Sunday, July 2 at 2 PM
PROGRAMME
JOINT CHOIR (420 choirs … singers)
“Dawn” (“Koit”)
Music by Mihkel Lüdig (1880–1958)
Lyric by Friedrich Kuhlbars (1841–1924),
Conducted by Ants Üleoja
Ants Üleoja:
Intensity, great musical power and patriotic lyrics by Friedrich Kuhlbars are the reasons why “Dawn” by Mihkel Lüdig has become an opening song of song celebrations. “Dawn” at the start of each celebration is a tradition. It is the way things have been since the jubilee celebrations in 1969. “Dawn” is an anthem of song celebrations.
For me one of the greatest moments of a song celebration is when the song celebration flame is lit during the last chords of the song.
“My Fatherland, My Happiness and Joy” (“Mu isamaa, mu õnn ja rõõm”)
Music by Fredrik Pacius (1809–1891)
Lyric Johann Voldemar Jannsen (1819–1890)
conducted by Olev Oja
Olev Oja:
“My Fatherland, My Happiness and Joy” is as a queen bee, who keeps together a hive of this hard toiling and peaceful nation, who loves each other and their fatherland. Let’s honour it till the last beat of our hearts!
“Estonian Flag” (“Eesti lipp”)
Music by Enn Võrk (1905–1962)
Lyric by Martin Lipp (1854–1923)
conducted by Ingrid Kõrvits
Ingrid Kõrvits:
Blue, black and white – these colours can be found in our nature regardless of season, these colours embellish our national costumes and these colours represent our mentality. Together they form Estonian national flag, which is one of our most powerful symbols. The song “Estonian Flag” by Enn Võrk and Martin Lipp has become a similarly powerful symbol of Estonia. The song was originally a three-verse song. Originally it as written in 1922 with an extended central verse. This version is now performed by joint choir at the XII youth song celebration!
“We” (“Meie”)
Music by Rasmus Puur (1991)
Lyric by Anna Haava (1864–1957)
Conducted by Rasmus Puur – debut as a conductor of a song celebration
New song
Rasmus Puur:
“We” is composed for the competition of mixed choir songs, but it has grown into a song that embraces the full concept of this year’s youth celebration – young generation is ready to step up, take responsibility and become worthy carriers of the heritage and culture of this country. We are not “a silent and forgotten page in the annals of time”, we are not the disruption of a culture that has been created in the course of many centuries – we are here to stay.
CHILDREN’S CHOIR (184 choirs, … singers)
“Woods Amongst the Girls” (“Mets neidude vahel”)
Estonian folk tune (Karksi)
Arrangement by Aarne Vahuri (1941)
Arrangement for symphony orchestra by Tõnis Kõrvits
Soloist Marion Strandberg (flute)
Conducted by Ingrid Roose – debut as a conductor of a song celebration
New arrangement for this song celebration
Ingrid Roose:
For me the song “Woods amongst the girls” is all about music being a common language, which is spoken and understood by everyone. You don’t need to know the rules to speak it and you can never go wrong. And once we have gathered together, there is nothing better than to take joy in singing together. This song is packed with warm summer expectations, freedom and joys of simple things.
“The Day Leaves for Purple Trees” (“Päev läeb puudele punane”)
Music by Gustav Ernesaks (1908–1993)
Lyric by folklore and Juhan Sütiste (1899–1945)
Conducted by Janne Fridolin – debut as a conductor of a song celebration
Janne Fridolin:
“The Day Leaves for Purple Trees” is like one of the songs that young people sang during night-time herding, when they gathered in the pasture at warm summer nights, competed in singing, told stories or just sat silently holding each other’s hands surrounded by so many unspoken words… It reminds me of the most beautiful summers of my childhood and maidenhood. This song in the programme of children’s choirs is a story about coming of the evening and gathering of young people and it is a perfect introduction to the next song, which is in real festive mood: “The World’s Ringing and Singing” (“Maailm heliseb”).
“The World’s Ringing and Singing” (“Maailm heliseb”)
Music by Eeva Talsi (1988)
Lyric by Aapo Ilves (1970)
Arrangement by Tõnis Kõrvits
Dance arrangement by Regina Rebane
With accompaniment of ensemble Curly Strings
Conducted by Toomas Voll
New arrangement for this song celebration
Toomas Voll:
Young souls are so joyous and full on energy! What could be better and more beautiful than young people singing so that the world is ringing! Songs are full of power and might!
Let the time and space ring with joy of life – you are only young once in your life!
“Paradise” (“Paradiis”)
Music and lyric by Mari Jürjens (1988)
Arrangement by Andres Lemba
Guitar ensemble, tutor Lauri Jõeleht
Conducted by Janne Fridolin – debut as a conductor of a song celebration
New arrangement for this song celebration
Janne Fridolin:
We all have our own paradise, it is inside us, in our warm thoughts, in love and in joint breathing. Sometimes it may be hard to find it, but when you do, you will always recognize it. It is the feeling of being perfectly content and happy. The message of “Paradise”, the song written by Mari Jürjens, is breath-taking and beautiful. It is the last song of the children’s choir programme and gives the audience hope that the paradise is really right here – on the earth, in ourselves.
BRASS BAND (45 brass bands, … players)
“Stormy Beginning” (“Tormakas algus”)
Music by Priit Raik (1948–2008)
Conducted by Ott Kask
Ott Kask:
Priit Raik is a classic of Estonian brass music as is his piece “Stormy beginning” written in 1985. It is a snappy, very bright piece of music for brass orchestra, bursting with energy / a perfect music to start the brass band programme of the youth celebration.
“The Dance of the Witches” (“Maksamereliste tants”) from the ballet “Kratt”
Music by Eduard Tubin (1905–1982)
Arrangement for brass bands by Peeter Saan
Conducted by Sirly Illak-Oluvere – debut as a conductor of a song celebration
Sirly Illak-Oluvere:
It is a great honour to conduct a fragment from the first Estonian ballet “Kratt” – “The Dance of the Witches”. Arrangement for brass bands by Peeter Saan is just excellent. It is vigorous and at the same time just a nice dance. There is no holding back when playing this music. “The Dance of the Witches” provides a fantastic opportunity to introduce young people to symphonic music performed by brass bands.
“On the Way Home” (“Koduteel”)
Based on Estonian folk tune, Riivo Jõgi (1987)
Conducted by Bert Langeler – debut as a conductor of a song celebration
New composition
Bert Langeler:
Riivo Jõgi, a young composer and conductor, adds new sound nuances and energy to the brass band music. “On the Way Home” is based on Estonian folk tune, arranged by Mart Saar, its sound palette is fresh and modern.
“Board the Ships” (“Laevadele”)
Music by Ülo Krigul (1978)
Conducted by Hando Põldmäe
New composition
Hando Põldmäe:
When we look from the slope of Lasnamäe towards the Song Festival Stage, we can’t help but to see in addition to colourful bunch of singers and musicians what is happening behind the song stage arch, too. The Tallinn Bay is dotted with small and big vessels. As a musician can’t play in the middle of the sea, the ships are unable to come to the land. They would, however, like to take part of the celebration. The theme of Ülo Krigul’s song it the participation of ships in a song celebration. Horns signal the ships the time to start moving and radio operators send information about the song celebration all over the world.
YOUNG CHILDREN’S CHOIR (301 choirs, … singers)
“Uhti–uhti”
Estonian folk tune
Lyric by Ado Piirikivi (1849–1916)
Arrangement by Tõnis Kõrvits
Conducted by Annelii Traks
New arrangement for this song celebration
Annelii Traks:
“Uhti–uhti” is a very old and well-known children’s song. Composer Tõnis Kõrvits has made a modern and more interesting version of the song, introducing changes in tonality, unexpected pauses and fermates, and an orchestral accompaniment, which is really cool. A simple song has evolved into a musical story, which has a beginning, a plot development and an unexpected ending.
“Impact of a Song” (“Laulu mõju”)
Folk tune and lyrics arranged by Mart Saar (1882–1963)
Riho Päts (1899–1977) and Richard Ritsing (1903–1994)
arrangements complemented by Annelii Traks and Kaie Tanner
Conducted by Annelii Traks
New arrangement for this song celebration
Annelii Traks:
“The Impact of a Song” is based on a folk tune, which composer Mart Saar did arrange into a song for one voice only. From this song composers Riho Päts and Richard Ritsing have made different arrangements for two voices. As the conductors of song celebrations were fond of both arrangements, Kaie Tanner and Annelii Traks decided to make on basis of these two arrangements a third version. The result is here for you to judge!
“Our song” (“Meie laul”)
Music by Riho Esko Maimets (1988)
Lyric by Heiki Vilep (1960)
soloist Iida Lepp (block flute)
Conducted by Silja Uhs – debut as a conductor of a song celebration
New song
Silja Uhs
“Our song” is a new song by a young composer Riho Esko Maimets, composed keeping in mind this year’s celebration. For young children, it is their OWN SONG, OWN STORY, something which they all understand. Songs make the world a better and brighter place, take away sorrow and warm our hearts.
“Grasshopper Hits a Summer song” (“Lööb suvelaulu rohutirts”)
Music by Piret Rips-Laul (1965)
Lyric by Venda Sõelsepp (1923–2006)
Arrangement for symphony orchestra by Piret Rips-Laul, Jaan Randvere
Conducted by Jaanika Kuusik – debut as the a conductor of a song celebration
Jaanika Kuusik:
“Grasshopper Hits a Summer song” is the most vivid and joyous song in the programme of young children’s choirs. It is a story of a spunky music-loving grasshopper, who takes a special liking in violin playing.
“The Song of Wishes” (“Soovide laul”)
Music by Priit Pajusaar (1964)
Lyric by Leelo Tungal (1947)
Arrangement for choir by Kadri Hunt
Arrangement for symphonic orchestra Tõnis Kõrvits
Conducted by Kaie Tanner
Kaie Tanner:
“The Song of Wishes” is a warm-hearted song about big wishes of children, which are addressed to the whole Song Festival Grounds. The wish to grow up, get smarter, travel around. The wish of carefree days, many friends and fulfilment of all wishes for everyone. Everyone can add his/her own wishes to this song!
BOYS’ CHOIR (97 choirs, … singers)
“Boys’ Song” (“Poiste laul”)
Music by Aksel Pajupuu (1926–2009)
Lyric by Kaarel Korsen (1906–1980)
Arrangement by Tõnis Kõrvits
Conducted by Maret Alango – debut as a conductor of a song celebration
Maret Alango:
“Boys’ Song” is an inspiring and joyous song about boys, their adventurous undertakings and actions. Although “Boys’ Song” was written at the time when our grandpas were boys, it fits perfectly contemporary times.
“Apple Song” (“Õunalaul”)
Music by Rein Rannap (1953)
Lyric by Ott Arder (1950–2004)
Conducted by Lydia Rahula – new arrangement for this song celebration
Lydia Rahula:
In this song apple is as a human being who is born, grows up and gets mature. Apple Song is full of youthful energy! The song is about the development of the way of thinking of a little boy, about is growing into a man, emphasizing such principal issues as: your strength originates from where your roots are; and you shouldn’t turn insolently proud, when you are successful. When making choices it is important that your heart is in a right place and you recognize what is right and what is wrong. Youth is the time to become mature!
BOYS’ CHOIR AND YOUNG MALE CHOIR (120 choirs, … singers)
“The Story of my Roots” (“Minu juurte lugu”)
Music by Andres Lemba (1968)
Lyric by Anli Eha (1956)
Conducted by Hirvo Surva
New song
Hirvo Surva:
“The Story of My Roots” (“Minu juurte lugu”) explains simply and clearly, who we are, where we are and what are the things that we value. Mother, father, home, mother tongue – these are the values, that we cherish and hold.
“Old Rehearsal” (“Vana harjutus”)
Music and lyric by Olav Ehala (1950)
Conducted by Kuldar Schüts
New arrangement for this song celebration
Kuldar Schüts:
“Old Rehearsal” is a renaissance lyric story about music and falling in love. For me the deepest meaning of this song is wisdom that a grey haired court musician passes on to young knights – it is symbolic picture of passing on values from one generation to another and fits perfectly with the concept of our youth song and dance celebration.
“Little Father and Son Song” (“Isa ja poja lauluke”)
Music by René Eespere (1953)
Lyric by Ott Arder (1950–2004) and René Eespere (based on lyrics of Heldur Karmo, Lydia Koidula and folklore)
Vocal ensemble
Conductud by Indrek Vijard
New arrangement made for this celebration
Indrek Vijard:
This song is a cheerful conversation between a father and his son, containing important teachings. Memories, naughty deeds, laughter and teachings of childhood remain with us for the rest of our lives. But as the song goes: it’s never too late to learn and you can never know too much!
YOUNG MALE CHOIR (18 choirs, … singers)
“Fatherland” (“Isamaa”)
Music by Karl August Hermann (1851–1909)
Lyric by Carl Eduard Malm (1837–1901)
Conducted by Kuno Kerge – debut as a conductor of a song celebration
Kuno Kerge:
“Fatherland” by Karl August Hermann is like a powerful shout all over the Song Festival Grounds, full of joy over reunion. Estonian brothers, let’s be happy and sing!
“This is the Land” (“See on see maa”)
Music by ensemble Metsatöll
Lyric by Lauri Õunapuu (1976)
Arrangement by Peeter Perens
Soloist Kristjan Mäeots (shaman drum)
Conducted by Peeter Perens
New arrangement for this song celebration
Peeter Perens:
Estonian have lived here – in between the Lake Peipus and the Baltic Sea – for thousands of years. Here we have tilled the land, fished in the sea, raised our children and seen our loved ones off to the pastures of Heaven. This is our home.
“This is Love” (“Vaid see on armastus”)
Music by Olav Ehala (1950)
Lyric by Enn Vetemaa (1936–2017)
Conducted by Edmar Tuul – debut as conductor of a song celebration
New arrangement for this song celebration
Edmar Tuul:
I have been trying to find the right way, how to put love into words, for many years now, but in vain. Yet just today, on the very day of the song celebration a year ago, I did feel, what it is about. Love between two people is something that can’t be expressed. It is something so powerful that is beyond all words. Borrowing the words of Estonian poetess Anna Haava: “I believe in love that conquers the world…” Here and today we try together with hundreds of Estonian men to bring you a tiny sliver of this overwhelming feeling.
YOUNG FEMALE CHOIR (36 choirs, … singers)
“Young Spring” (“Noor kevade”)
Music by Gustav Ernesaks (1908–1993)
Lyric by Juhan Liiv (1864–1913)
Conducted by Triin Koch
Triin Koch:
“Young Spring” is full of youth’s unstoppable ardour and eagerness. And energy which is characteristic also for this celebration.
When our beloved Grand Old composer Gustav Eernesaks composed this song he himself was young and full of fire – apparently his slight naughtiness hidden in this song inspires today’s young too.
“Do Still Come” (“Aga tule”)
Music by Kadri Voorand (1986)
Lyric by Liisa Lotta Tomp (1995)
Conducted by Külli Kiivet – debut as a conductor of a song celebration
New song
Külli Kiivet:
“Do Still Come” is a song about tender emotion of a young soul. These emotions are familiar to all of us, we all need to be loved, yet afraid to get hurt.
It has been most interesting to teach and sing this song. It takes delving, hearing and time to gasp the idea hidden behind its words. In our life, we search and find and fight for love and happiness. Sometimes we must get hold of ourselves and come to terms with the fact that we can’t change another person. Still we are full of hope and dreams and our soul is looking for a soulmate. The song has a happy ending, everything turned out ok, the sparkle of a moment didn’t vanish. I wish you all that kind of sparkle in your lives!
“How Can I Be Silent” (“Ei saa mitte vaiki olla”)
Music by Miina Härma (1864–1941), Sander Pehk (1990)
Lyric by Anna Haava
Ensemble Algorütmid
Conducted by Tiiu Ivanova – debut as a conductor of a song celebration
New arrangement for this celebration
Tiiu Ivanova:
Matters of heart are always important for young people regardless of times. These were important for Miina Härma and Anna Haava, are important for Sander Pehk, ensemble Algorütmid and I and I imagine that for most of the singers. The new arrangement of this song makes us feel both traditional and modern, enables at the same time to remember and dream, realize that your feelings are both new and yours only, but at the same time also ancient and common to all people and without these feelings there would really be no one and anything.
“Own song” (“Om laul”)
Music and Lyric by Mari Kalkun (1986)
Arrangement by Andres Lemba (1968)
Zither ensemble, tutor Pille Karras
Conducted by Mai Simson – debut as a conductor of a song celebration
New arrangement for this celebration
Mai Simson
“Own song” is a sincere song in Võru language speaking about song and its might – songs are all mighty and help to solve things that have seemed to be insoluble. The song is special due to the use of Võru language and due to the fact that alongside with string orchestra it is accompanied by 20 young players of small zither.
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (28 orchestras, … musicians)
“Journey” (“Rännak”)
Moments from Estonian symphony music:
Overture “Julius Caesar” (by Rudolf Tobias),
Poem “Northern Coast” (Põhjarannik) (by Villem Kapp),
Concert for chamber orchestra, op. 16 (by Jaan Rääts),
“Sword dance“(“Mõõkade tagumine”) from ballet “Kalevipoeg“ (by Eugen Kapp),
Overture no 2 (by Veljo Tormis),
Symphonic poem “Dawn” (“Koit”) (by Heino Eller)
Arrangement by Riivo Jõgi
Conducted by Jüri-Ruut Kangur
New arrangement for this song celebration
Jüri-Ruut Kangur:
“Journey” is a medley of important milestone compositions in Estonian symphonic music, a kind of educational musical journey following the path of well-known themes of our legendary composers, connected with exciting and occasionally unexpected transitions.
Suite is framed i.e. begins and ends with fragments of overture by Rudolf Tobias, “Julius Caesar” (1896).
“Tune of Home” (“Kodumaine viis”)
Music by Heino Eller (1887–1970)
Conducted by Rasmus Puur (1991) – debut as a conductor of a song celebration
Rasmus Puur:
The importance of this tune for Estonian instrumental music can only be compared with the importance of the song “My Fatherland is My Lov”” by Gustav Ernesaks to Estonian choral music. Which makes the story of the composition even stranger: the unfinished sketchy unnamed manuscript was decades after composing accidentally found by Heino Eller’s student, piano player Heljo Sepp, who proposed to finish the piece and name it “Tune of Home.”
For me it is a powerful story of homeland and love, containing joy and sorrow, beauty and pain, personal and general values.
“The Tale of One Nation” (“Ühe rahva lugu”)
Music by Jüri-Ruut Kangur (1975)
Conducted by Jüri-Ruut Kangur
New composition
Jüri-Ruut Kangur:
“The Tale of One Nation” resembles a symphonic poem and is a story about Estonians, who are one of the oldest nations in Europe living over 10 000 years in the same place despite of all obstacles and ordeals. The music depicts good and tough times, wars, awakening period, peaceful years of freedom, but also contains allusions to today’s troublesome times in Europe, leaving us with the worry and question, what will await us ahead during the years to come, are we going to be able to be here. The leitmotiv of this composition, however, is hope.
Suite for youth orchestra “Buratino is back in action” (“Buratino tegutseb jälle”)
Music by Tauno Aints (1975)
Conducted by Martin Sildos – debut as a conductor of a song celebration
New arrangement for this celebration
Martin Sildos:
Suite “Buratino is back in action” is a very cheerful, buoyant and positive piece of music, which could tear us out of the grey routine of our day-to-day lives and make us rejoice about how things are right now and in the people we are surrounded with. Stop for a moment, look around and smile – you may discover that the world smiles back at you.
JOINT ORCHESTRA (60 orchestras, … musicians)
“Springing” (“Tärkamine”)
Music by Rasmus Puur (1991)
Conducted by Riivo Jõgi – debut as a conductor of a song celebration
New composition
Riivo Jõgi:
“Springing” is a composition that is directly tied to the concept of the song celebration and inspires young people to carry out their ideas and fulfil their dreams right here and right now. It is vivid, colourful, surprising, rhythmic, diverse – just as our springing youth is. One of the peculiarities of this piece is that you can hear a vast number of percussion instruments in their full glory.
Suite from the movie “Secret Society of Soup Town” (Supilinna salaselts)
Music by Liina Sumera (1988)
Conducted by Hando Põldmäe
New arrangement for this song celebration
Hando Põldmäe
“The Secret Society of Soup town” is an adventurous movie targeted for young people, which, no doubt, wouldn’t be so impressive and enthralling unless music wouldn’t support the picture. Good film music often exceeds the boundaries of the genre and starts to live a life of its own, is appreciated amongst music lovers and awaited on concerts. Liina Sumera’s film music has also stretched its wings and we can hear it at the song celebration in a new arrangement, as a film music suite.
MIXED CHOIR (89 choirs, … singers)
“Thoughts of a Singer from Viru” (“Viru lauliku mõtted”)
Music by Ester Mägi (1922)
Lyric by Friedrich Reinhold Kreutzwald (1803–1882)
Conducted by Kaspar Mänd
Kaspar Mänd:
The song “Thoughts of a Singer from Viru” takes us back to our roots. Songs accompany our lives since the time we were in a cradle. Lullabies are later passed on to the following generations and so a very special bond is born between the generations. This year we are celebrating with Ester Mägi her 95th anniversary and therefore it is meaningful that her song is included in the song celebration programme.
“Life is Hope and Creation” (“Elu on lootus ja loomine”)
Music by Kadri Voorand (1986)
Lyric by Doris Kareva (1958)
Conducted by Ksenija Grabova – debut as a conductor of a song celebration
New composition
Ksenija Grabova:
This song addresses every singer and listener in a different way. For me it speaks about the courage to be myself, dream and hope, and most importantly – about the will to carry out my dreams, not be scared off when everything doesn’t work at the first time. We’ll remain hoping and creating!
Songs from the suite “Nostalgia”
(Eight well-known Estonian songs)
“On My Beloved Coutry Lane” (“Meil aiaäärne tänavas”) Lyric by Lydia Koidula (1843–1886)
“When I was Still Young” (“Kui mina alles noor veel olin”) Lyric by Märt Mohn (1811–1872)
“My Lovely, Quiet Home” (“Vaikne kena kohakene”) Lyric by Martin Körber (1817–1893)
Arrangement by Veljo Tormis (1930–2017)
Conducted by Heli Jürgenson
Heli Jürgenson:
These are the songs that we have inherited from our ancestors. Today we are singing these songs the way Veljo Tormis arranged them and we will always be singing these songs and pass on to new generations.
“Cherishing the Beauty of the Land of my Fathers” (“Isamaa ilu hoieldes”)
Music by Alo Mattiisen (1961–1996)
Lyric by Jüri Leesment (1961)
Arrangement for symphony orchestra Tõnu Kõrvits
Vocals Ivo Linna, Robert Linna, Indra-Mirell Zeinet, Joosep Toomeste
Conducted by Valter Soosalu – debut as a conductor of a song celebration
Valter Soosalu:
This song by Alo Mattiisen and Jüri Leesment is one of the most important and serious manifestos in the history of Estonian choral and rock music. Those words of exhortation full of primal strength have left a timeless mark on the national self-consciousness of Estonians. Let’s never forget which values we signed with this song.
JOINT CHOIR (336 choirs, … singers)
“Oh, Sing and Rejoice” (“Oh laula ja hõiska”)
Music and Lyric by Karl August Hermann (1851–1909)
Conducted by Aarne Saluveer
Aarne Saluveer:
Karl August Hermann’s determined action in creation of Estonian cultural space is priceless. He considered education to be the most important engine of development and he was a pioneer in compiling textbooks, writing newspaper articles and publishing books. His music is composed in accordance with the best standards of his time, it is beautiful, logical and enthralling. Let’s be as free in our spirit and as effective as were the visionaries and dreamers to the times of Estonian awakening – “then the life is like in a flower bush”.
“Estonian Soil and Estonian Heart” (“Eesti muld ja eesti süda”)
Music by Rein Rannap (1953)
Lyric by Lydia Koidula (1843–1886)
Conducted by Heli Jürgenson
New arrangement for this song celebration
Heli Jürgenson:
“Estonian Soil and Estonian Heart” by Rein Rannap and Lydia Koidula has touched the hearts of every young singer at this song celebration. The poem of a 23-year-old Lydia Koidula emphasizes the same Word that is stated at this celebration by our young singers: Estonian soil is where we want to be rooted since our greatest wish is to be here.
“He Flies Towards the Beehive” (“Ta lendab mesipuu poole”)
Music by Peep Sarapik (1949–1994)
Lyric by Juhan Liiv (1864–1913)
Conducted by Elo Üleoja
Elo Üleoja
When we imagine that every nation has a soul, a set of positive mentality, then the song “He Flies Towards the Beehive” is an expression of this. Deep inner peace and dignified flow, great strength and fortitude and most importantly – overwhelming emotion of being together!
“My Fatherland is My Love” (“Mu isamaa on minu arm”)
Music by Gustav Ernesaks (1908–1993)
Lyric by Lydia Koidula (1843–1886)
Conducted by Ants Soots
Ants Soots:
“My Fatherland is My Love” (“Mu isamaa on minu arm”) – this is how our poetess Lydia Koidula said and felt precisely 150 years ago. We exist here and today due to the persistent and sound thought carried through generations about not leaving this land. “Here I’ll stay!” – the credo of this year’s youth celebration is the concept that has been born during the course of development of Estonian nation up to this day and gives us trust in tomorrow. “Here I’ll stay!” – but only in case: “I’ll never leave you,” as the lyric of this poem goes on.
“Beauty of the Evening” (“Õhtu ilu”)
Tune by Kärt Johanson (1971)
Estonian folklore
Arrangement by Pärt Uusberg (1986)
Vocals Sirlen Rekkor and Katre Pukk
Conducted by Raul Talmar
Raul Talmar:
“Beauty of an evening in a beautiful evening” – isn’t that just beautiful?Even more so due to the fact that the lyrics of the song contain a deep meaning how powerful it is to sing.
Artistic director/ head conductor of the song celebration Heli Jürgenson
Authors of the concept of the song celebration, assistants of artistic director Rasmus Puur and Veiko Tubin
General conductor of young children’s choir Annelii Traks, conductors Kaie Tanner, Jaanika Kuusik, Silja Uhs
General conductor of children’s choir Janne Fridolin, conductors Toomas Voll and Ingrid Roose
General conductor of boys’ choir Indrek Vijard, conductors Lydia Rahula, Hirvo Surva, Maret Alango, Kuldar Schüts
General conductor of young female’s choir Triin Koch, conductors Külli Kiivet, Tiiu Ivanova, Mai Simson
General conductor of young male choir Peeter Perens, conductors Edmar Tuul, Kuno Kerge
General conductor of mixed choir Kaspar Mänd, conductors Heli Jürgenson, Ksenija Grabova, Valter Soosalu
General conductor of brass bands Hando Põldmäe, conductors Sirly Illak-Oluvere, Bert Langeler, Ott Kask
General conductor of youth symphony orchestra Jüri-Ruut Kangur, conductors Martin Sildos, Riivo Jõgi, Rasmus Puur
General conductors of joint choir Heli Jürgenson, Ingrid Kõrvits, Olev Oja, Rasmus Puur, Aarne Saluveer, Ants Soots, Raul Talmar, Elo Üleoja, Ants Üleoja
Accompanying orchestra: Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre Symphony Orchestra
Ensemble Curly Strings
Accompanying ensemble, players Rain Rämmal (keyboard instruments), Johannes Laas (guitar), Peedu Kass (bass guitar), Kristjan Kallas (percussion instruments)
Announcer of the concert Christopher Rajaveer
The reflections of young people compiled on basis of interviews by Kadri Tiisel and Veiko Tubin
Sound design Rasmus Puur, Veiko Tubin, vocal solo by Liisi Koikson,
accompanying ensemble, players Paul Daniel, Peedu Kass, Kristjan Kallas, Sound engineer of recordings Teet Kehlmann
Signature of the celebration Rasmus Puur on motif of the “Dawn” by Mihkel Lüdig
Song Celebration Stage design by Kristjan Suits
Sound engineer Tanel Klesment, consultant Tammo Sumera
Line-up manager of choirs and orchestras: Margus Luur, line-up manager’s assistant: Marika Pärk
Arrangement manager of the Song Celebration Grounds: Margot Holts
Music editor and producer of the XII Youth Song Celebration: Kersti Seitam
Designer of the XII Youth Song and Dance Celebration: Kerstin Hallik
Communications manager of the XII Youth Song and Dance Celebration: Sten Weidebaum
Chief manager of the XII Youth Song and Dance Celebration: Aet Maatee
