Laulupäev
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
Sat June 29 – Suvihari Program
- 10:30am Registration begins
- 11:00am Volleyball by the pool
- ERR Mixed Choir from Tallinn- conductor Hirvo Surva
- Rahvaulikooli Mixed choir from Tartu- conductor Lauri Breede
Sunday June 30 Laulupäev
Monday July 1
Past Events!
VIII Laulupäev 2018
Hirvo Surva and Choir
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