More than 41,384 performers to take part in the “Iseoma” Song and Dance Celebration

This week marked the conclusion of the audition process for singers and musicians participating in the upcoming XXVIII Song Celebration and XXI Dance Celebration. According to preliminary figures, a total of 41,384 singers, instrumentalists, dancers and folk musicians from 1,869 groups will take the stage in July. As of today, the Song Celebration will feature 31,027 participants, the Dance Celebration 10,972, and the Folk Music Celebration 778.

The theme of this year’s celebration, “Iseoma” – meaning “uniquely one’s own” – highlights Estonia’s regional dialects, local heritage, and the authenticity of traditional folk music.

Under the iconic Song Arch in Tallinn, more than 31,000 singers and instrumentalists from 990 ensembles will perform. These include 6,244 singers from selected children’s choirs, 2,408 from boys’ and mixed boys’ choirs, 5,295 from children’s choirs, 3,970 from women’s choirs, 1,339 from male choirs, and 10,792 from mixed choirs. In addition, the celebration will feature a wind orchestra of 1,548 musicians and a symphony orchestra with 915 performers. Altogether, 788 conductors will lead the ensembles at the Song Celebration.

Artistic Director of the Song Celebration, Heli Jürgenson, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the process so far: “The rehearsal period has brought great joy – the atmosphere in the halls was filled with energy and dedication. Many choirs across Estonia performed at a high level during auditions, receiving immediate feedback and an invitation to the Celebration. Those who were initially on the waiting list have now received final decisions. We are sincerely thankful to everyone who took part in this journey. Choirs that participated in the pre-auditions but won’t be performing this time will receive invitations in the coming days to attend the opening concert as special guests.”

Jürgenson also noted that the repertoire has been met with a very warm reception: “Every song has been sung with care and enthusiasm. It’s true that each choir type had a few pieces that required exceptional vocal work and deep commitment – but it’s through these challenging works that Estonian choral music continues to grow, while maintaining the high quality expected of the Song Celebration. I believe many of this year’s songs will find a lasting place in regional celebrations and choir repertoires, resonating in our hearts and souls for years to come.”

This year’s concert programme features beloved classics from the Estonian choral tradition, alongside new works and songs in regional dialects. The opening concert on 5 July will focus on dialects, with this theme also carried into the grand concert day that follows.

With just over a month to go, the organising team is now entering its busiest phase. A week before the main event, the capital will begin to pulse with the rhythm of the Song and Dance Celebration as dancers begin rehearsals across Tallinn. A few days later, singers and folk musicians will join in.

While tickets for the Dance Celebration performances are sold out, tickets for both Song Celebration concerts are still available. However, we recommend securing them soon – at the last Celebration, tickets sold out before the event. The early bird ticket discount is available until the end of May.

The XXVIII Song Celebration and XXI Dance Celebration will take place from 3–6 July 2025 in Tallinn. The Artistic Director of the Song Celebration is Heli Jürgenson, the Lead Producer of the Dance Celebration is Helena-Mariana Reimann, and the Artistic Director of the Folk Music Celebration is Helin Pihlap. The event is organised by the Estonian Song and Dance Celebration Foundation.