Seedrioru Laulupäev

Laulupäev

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Music and singing are an important part of Estonian culture. Every five years in the capital of Estonia, Tallinn, a National Song Festival  or “Laulupidu” is held where more than 30,000 singers perform. National Song Festivals have been part of the Estonian tradition since 1864 and have grown over the years to be one of the largest amateur choral festivals in the world. The song festival of 1990 played a key part in re-establishing Estonia’s independence, which was achieved on Aug 20 1991.

At Seedrioru, we contribute to this tradition of song. The first Seedrioru Song Day or “Laulupäev” was held on June 30th, 1956. These were continued every few years for a total of four until 1966, when the Global Estonian Days or “ESTO” festivals began. Seedrioru’s hiatus on Laulupäevad lasted beyond the Estonian restoration of independence. In 2008, it was decided to restart the tradition for Seedrioru Laulupäevad.

The year before a song festival, Seedrioru now holds a Laulupäev during the annual Suvihari festival. Choirs from southern Ontario, Europe, and the USA, attend and perform. The choirs use the Seedrioru Laulupäev as preparation for the National Song Festival in Estonia. The Song Day is a great celebration of the Estonian culture here in Ontario, which we’re always excited to host and be a part of.

The last Song Day at Seedrioru was held in 2018. Seedrioru will be hosting a Song Day in 2024, the year before the next National Song Festival in Estonia in 2025.

A good reference movie to bring context would be The Singing Revolution produced in 2006.

IX Laulupäev 2024

Presale Tickets Available NOW! 

 

Friday June 28

– Arrivals and setup.
– Kitchen will be open
 

Sat June 29 – Suvihari Program

– Volleyball tournament
  • 10:30am Registration begins
  • 11:00am Volleyball by the pool
– Chess tournaments in the Main Hall
– Disc/Frisbee golf, pickleball, basketball, swimming at your leisure
 
5pm Dinner on the field
 
6pm  Concert Aktus with two excellent choirs from Estonia
  • ERR  Mixed Choir from Tallinn- conductor Hirvo Surva
  • Rahvaulikooli Mixed choir from Tartu- conductor Lauri Breede
Traditional reflection of our history and lighting the Victory Flame
 
8:30 Jaanituli- Huge bonfire  with Estonian traditions, singing and folklore lead by the visiting Estonian singers and dancers
 
10pm Dance – live band – with Kaja Reloaded.
 

Sunday June 30 Laulupäev

10am Dress rehearsal for the choirs 
 
12 Lunch for all 
 
2pm Parade of choirs
Lighting the Songfestival flame
Concert featuring approx 200+ singers representing choirs from Estonia, USA, Toronto, Hamilton and many communities across North America, Europe and Canada. 
 
8:30 Dance and casual Jaanituli
 

Monday July 1 

Pancake breakfast

           

Past Events!

VIII Laulupäev 2018

Hirvo Surva and Choir

Terminaator

VII Laulupäev 2013

VII Eesti Laulupäeva Kanadas Üldjuht – Festival Director and Principal Conductor –
Norman Reintamm

  • Toronto Eesti Meeskoor, juhatab Charles Kipper
    • Langenud Kangelastele (J. Aavik), Pea Vastu (R. Toi)
  • Segakoorid – Mixed Choirs
  • Noorte Koor – Youth Choir
  • Euroopa Eestlaste Koor – European Estonian Choir
  • Ühendkoorid – Combined Choirs

Suvihari 53/ VI Laulupäev 2008

  • Kukerpillid
  • Urve Palo, Estonian Minister of Population and Ethnic Affairs