The XXVIII Song and XXI Dance Celebration has concluded – the unique moments of “Iseoma” will remain
Last night, the flame of the XXVIII Song and XXI Dance Celebration was extinguished at the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds. However, the spirit of this festival, with its unique “Iseoma” moments that reached the hearts of the people and entered everyday vocabulary, continues to live on in the souls of singers, dancers, musicians, and spectators. The artistic teams and organizers extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this grand celebration possible.
On the grass of Kalev Central Stadium, 10,938 dancers delighted the audience, and the dance performances were attended by nearly 44,000 people. The Folk Music Festival featured 765 musicians. In total, there were 32,022 song festival participants, and the opening and main concerts drew a combined audience of 79,000 people. Nearly 45,000 participants took part in the Song and Dance Celebration procession.
Heli Jürgenson, Artistic Director of the song festival, said on behalf of the artistic team that after two concerts, the feeling is one of pride and overwhelming emotion. She was especially pleased with the high-quality performances: “The conductors and I felt that all the choirs who sang this year had an exceptionally high vocal standard, and every song was beautifully executed. Music teachers and conductors have done a fantastically thorough job, which made performing together on the big stage so effortless,” said Jürgenson.
She also highlighted the strong sense of unity and energy that radiated from the stage over the two days. “It was mystically powerful and seemed to keep the bad weather away from our music and singing,” she added.
Helena-Mariana Reimann, Artistic Director of the Dance Festival, said she lacked the words to express how beautiful and commendable all the dancers and gymnasts were in all three performances. She thanked the instructors, choreographers, singers, musicians, lyricists, the video team, and the wonderful production crew. “It’s been an honor to celebrate this festival with you. I’m sure this celebration will live in my heart for a long time,” said Reimann. “I truly hope everyone experienced pure joy from the dance performances. Long live the Estonian people and long live our very own Estonian dance!”
Helin Pihlap, Artistic Director of the Folk Music Festival, expressed heartfelt thanks to all participants and the team for their dedication and the joy shared not only during the festival but throughout the entire journey and long preparation. “I especially want to thank the sound team from RGB Baltic, Martin Medar, and the volunteers who helped solve every issue during the festival week before they could even arise,” said Pihlap. “Of course, immense thanks also go to the large and incredibly warm audience, with whom the boundary between performer and listener simply disappeared — it truly became a celebration of our people and our music.”
Margus Toomla, Head of the Estonian Song and Dance Celebration Foundation, extended his deepest gratitude to the artistic directors and teams who embarked on a three-and-a-half-year journey to carry on and preserve our beloved culture and traditions. “A deep bow of thanks also goes to the leaders of all performing groups, without whom the festival simply wouldn’t exist,” said Toomla. He also thanked everyone who helped organize the festival during the celebratory week. “Volunteers have made an immense contribution over the years, and we are glad to see more and more of them joining,” he noted.
Toomla thanked the audience, who, for example, braved the rain at the Song Festival to be part of this unique musical event. “Let’s meet again in 2028 — whether listening to music, dancing, or enjoying choral singing under the Song Arch,” he concluded.
The celebration was preceded by an 18-day journey of the festival flame, which traveled 2,500 kilometers through every Estonian county, from Tartu to Tallinn, carrying the timeless messages of the Song Celebration to every home across Estonia.
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📸 Photos by Kaupo Kikkas
📸 Photos by Kaupo Kalda