XI TARTU FOLK 2026

Ung í Dansi

Faroe Islands

Jón Rói Høgnesen

Ung í Dansi (est. 2015) is a youth dance association from the Faroe Islands, operating under the national dance association Sláið Ring. The group has members aged 12–30 from all over the country. Through the traditional Faroese chain dance, they unite youth interested in dance via various events centered around the old chain dance, traditional ballads and Faroese folk dance. Both the chain dance and newer folk dances are accompanied by old medieval ballads about love, battles, kings, vikings, princesses, politics, and more. While some ballads are of more recent origin, the oldest ones date back around 900 years.
In accordance with Faroese tradition, the traditional chain dance has not been accompanied by musical instruments. Hence, Ung í Dansi follows this rule during dance performances. However, they often have an accordion, guitar and/or fiddle player with them for singalongs and shanties. Despite being just a youth group, Ung í Dansi has won a Faroese national competition in ballad performance and dancing knowledge, while competing against all the other dancing associations.


13th of November at 18.00 Community Celebration in Luunja
14th of November at 16.00 Gala concert of the festival at the Vanemuine Concert Hall
14th of November at 19.30 Festival dance club at the Vanemuine Concert Hall
15th of November at 12.00 Final Concert at the bridge area of the Estonian National Museum

Dolija

Lithuania

Vilija Vaitkienė

Dolija is a vibrant youth folklore group of Vilnius Žvėrynas Gymnasium. Dolija’s repertoire consists of folklore songs, dances, and games from different ethnographic regions of Lithuania. The group's authentic costumes are inspired by 19th-century traditional Lithuanian attire. The youth folk group arranges concerts and participates actively in international festivals in countries such as Latvia, Estonia, Slovakia, North Macedonia, and Turkey. 2008. In 2008, Dolija won the award for the best youth folklore ensemble in Lithuania. It has been led by the energetic Vilija Vaitkienė for 28 years. While many generations of students have passed, Dolija’s mission remains the same: to help youth discover the richness and diversity of Lithuanian folklore.

13th of November at 18.00 Community Celebration in Tabivere
14th of November at 16.00 Gala concert of the festival at the Vanemuine Concert Hall
14th of November at 19.30 Festival dance club at the Vanemuine Concert Hall
15th of November at 12.00 Final Concert at the bridge area of the Estonian National Museum

Skandinieki

Latvia

Julgī Stalte

The folklore group Skandinieki has been active since 1976 and is one of the pioneers of the Latvian folklore movement. Latvian and Livonian heritage is alive and constantly evolving: Skandinieki members live in harmony with these traditions, celebrating folk calendar holidays, singing, dancing, and constantly discovering and sharing new sides of their cultural heritage.
The group’s repertoire features the kokle, violins, bagpipe, flutes, drums, the monochord, and other traditional instruments. Their costumes originate from various eras and regions of Latvia, spanning from the 11th-13th centuries to the 19th-20th centuries, with regional characteristics reflecting the ancestral origins of each member. The group’s contribution to preserving Livonian heritage has been recognised with the Hamburg European Culture Prize.
For Skandinieki, heritage represents a link between the past, present, and future: “We learn about past knowledge and skills, keep them alive in the present day, and pass them on to the future generations”.

13th of November at 18.00 Community Celebration in Luunja
14th of November at 16.00 Gala concert of the festival at the Vanemuine Concert Hall
14th of November at 19.30 Festival dance club at the Vanemuine Concert Hall
15th of November at 12.00 Final Concert at the bridge area of the Estonian National Museum

UIJEE

Estonia / Muhu Island

Leena Peegel

Folklore group UIJEE has been active on Muhu Island since 2014 with the intetion of preserving the culture of Muhu Island and passing it on to the next generations. The main activity of the group is singing old and newer folksongs in the Muhu language and, when possible, accompanying them on small kannels, as well as playing circle games. From time to time, they also invite garmon and violin players, and children from Muhu Primary School to join them.
They search for songs and tunes from old handwritten songbooks, listen to oral tradition, or find repertoire from various publications. They also study proverbs, legends, riddles, and wonderful sayings that Muhu people have invented over time. The members converse amongst themselves and with the audience in the Muhu language. They pay special attention to their folk costumes, relying on the heritage of their ancestors.
In 2026, the group finished their first CD and in 2026, received the folklore group of the year award from the Estonian Folklore Council for their consistent and enthusiastic activity, and for keeping the Muhu language and tradition visible, audible, and open.


13th of November at 18.00 Community Celebration in Tabivere
14th of November at 16.00 Gala concert of the festival at the Vanemuine Concert Hall
14th of November at 19.30 Festival dance club at the Vanemuine Concert Hall
15th of November at 12.00 Final Concert at the bridge area of the Estonian National Museum

Folklore Club Maatasa

Estonia

Halliki Pihlap, Helin Pihlap

Folklore Club Maatasa was formed in 2013. It introduces the heritage of South Estonia (particularly Tartu County) in its numerous forms: songs, dances, instrumental tunes, folktales, games, costumes, and more. The group's repertoire includes both older and newer dances, runosongs, and love songs from the early 20th century. Maatasa consists of nearly 40 members, all of whom sing, dance, and play an instrument. The name Maatasa (‘earth/ground’+’level’) has a double meaning: on the one hand, it refers to being ‘close to the ground’, symbolizing the group's desire to return to their roots and present folklore in its most authentic form; on the other hand, it can also mean ‘to the dust’, reflecting their freedom to reinterpret songs and tunes according to their own creative vision.

14th of November at 16.00 Gala concert of the festival at the Vanemuine Concert Hall
14th of November at 19.30 Festival dance club at the Vanemuine Concert Hall
15th of November at 12.00 Final Concert at the bridge area of the Estonian National Museum

Vassakule

Estonia

Maire Jürgel, Minna Presmann, Meelika Kaarna, Kertu Kaarna

The Estonian Defence Forces Academy Dance Ensemble Vassakule, founded in 2010, has three mixed dance groups and one women’s group. Vassakule’s dancers are largely university students and energetic young people, instructed by Maire Jürgel and Minna Presmann (mixed groups), and Meelika Kaarna and Kertu Kaarna (women’s group).

14th of November at 16.00 Gala concert of the festival at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Pistandi

Estonia

Tiina Tuhkur

Pistandi is a Tartu Applied Health Sciences University folk dance ensemble formed in 2018 under the instruction of Tiina Tuhkur. Today, there are around 50 dancers divided between three ensembles. Pistandi has taken part in several national and regional dance festivals and performed at cultural and sports events all over Estonia. In 2023, the group celebrated their fifth birthday with the anniversary concert "Pistandi 5".
To the ensemble it is important to preserve Estonian folk dance tradition and the Tartu-Maarja cultural heritage. The dancers of Pistandi wear Tartu-Maarja traditional costumes, in the creation of which the dancers and instructor have contributed. Under the guidance of Tiina Tuhkur, the next generation has also found its way to folk dance – seven of Pistandi's alumni are training to become dance instructors.

14th of November at 16.00 Gala concert of the festival at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Tarbatu

Estonia

Kristel Maruste

The Estonian University of Life Sciences folk dance ensemble Tarbatu is a vibrant and tradition-rich dance ensemble in Tartu whose roots date back to 1951. At the end of this season, the ensemble will celebrate its 75-year dance journey with a grand anniversary concert. Over the decades, Tarbatu has been led by many passionate instructors, and has grown into a well-known representative of Estonian folk dance culture. Since 2022, Kristel Maruste has been serving as Tarbatu’s artistic director.
Careful attention is paid to the origins and narratives behind the dances – this helps the dancers fill the entire space with the unfolding story, centering the audience. On the other hand, Tarbatu fosters new creations and presents new dances by its instructors every year. Tarbatu is more than just a dance group – it is a living part of Estonian folk heritage where folk dance and youthful energy bring people together.

14th of November at 16.00 Gala concert of the festival at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Lea

Estonia

Lea Laurimäe, Mari-Liis Koemets

The folk dance group Lea is a dance family of over 70 members, united by a shared passion for folk dance. The group’s energy is fuelled by instructors Lea and Mari-Liis, and, of course, their mascot Riho. Belonging to the Lea family are three mixed dance group and one young women’s group called Päikeseratas.
Over the years, the group has participated in nearly every dance festival from men and women’s dance celebrations to the national Estonian Dance Festival in Tallinn.
Recently, Lea celebrated their 25th anniversary with a jubilee concert titled “Mäletad” (“You remember”). One thing is for certain: the members of Lea truly believe that folk dance holds a Lea-gendary power!

14th of November at 16.00 Gala concert of the festival at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Jumšan Gur

Estonia (Udmurt)

Dmitry Denisov, Inga Ignatieva, Irina Reshetnikova

The ensemble Jumšan Gur was founded in 2006 by Udmurts living in Tartu, although they had already been coming together since 1996. The name Jumšan Gur translates as "party tune". Our repertoire consists mainly of traditional songs and dances of the Southern Udmurts. One of the ensemble's goals is to introduce our culture to people living in Estonia. Another important aim is to pass it on to our children.
As Jumšan Gur themselves said: "Here in Estonia, we feel most Udmurt when we come together – singing Udmurt songs, dancing, baking perepetš or making dumplings. Every gathering is a small celebration that gives us strength to carry on."

14th of November at 19.30 Festival dance club at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Youth group of the Folklore Club Maatasa

Estonia

Halliki Pihlap

Tartu Folklore Club Maatasa is mainly engaged in the study of South Estonian folklore in various fields: songs, dances, instrumental music. The youth group brings together enthusiasts aged 10-17, with nearly 20 friends gathering regularly, all of whom have opened their hearts to folklore and invite everyone to sing and dance with them.


13. november 18.00 Tartu Folk: Youth Folk Celebration in Tartu at Tiigi Seltsimaja
14th of November at 19.30 Festival dance club at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Tartu Dance Club

Estonia

Tartu Dance Club is one of the oldest dance clubs in Estonia and certainly one of the most vibrant. Its core focus is the village dance music of Estonia from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. 2024. Since 2024, the coordinator of the dance club is Mia Ruus.

14th of November at 19.30 Festival dance club at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Sirgutii

Estonia

Sirgutii (Linnutee or "milky way" in the Tartu dialect) is a group of fun folk musicians whose songs include older dance tunes and folk songs from different parts of Estonia and the neighbouring countries.

14th of November at 19.00 Cafe stage at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Susanna Viktoria

Estonia

Susanna Viktoria is a musician and producer who emerged from the Estonian folk music scene, creating distinctive folk-electronic music with a contemporary twist. She values ​​her roots and respects tradition, breathing new life into the old. Susanna Viktoria's soundscape blends folklore, the sounds of the flute and bagpipe, delicate vocals, and engaging rhythms.
The musician's primary instruments are the Estonian bagpipe, flute, whistles, and vocals. Susanna Viktoria also handles the entire production process for her work.

14th of November at 19.00 Cafe stage at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

TuviMäruliHärrad

Estonia

TuviMäruliHärrad is a diatonic accordion duo comprising Marten Kaljas and Uku Suislep. Performing under this name since 2024, the duo’s repertoire includes arrangements of Estonian traditional music, new original compositions in a folk style, and original works created through their collaboration. Both musicians sing and play the diatonic accordion.

14th of November at 19.00 Cafe stage at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Õed-vennad Ristikheinad vähendatud koosseisus

Estonia

Õed-Vennad Ristikheinad vähendatud koosseisus (The reduced ensemble of the Clover Siblings) is a musical ensemble that highlights intimate and heartwarming sounds. Their music speaks of love, family, and the beauty of nature, and creates a special and pleasant feeling in the listeners.

The ensemble consists of two talented siblings who share a love for music. Their name "Ristikheinad" mirrors their roots and their connection to nature. Although the ensemble is reduced in size, the resulting sound quality and emotional power are not left behind at all.
The band members have studied music since their early childhood and have improved their skills over the years. Their harmonic harmonies and precise playing are amazing and reflect their dedication to music.

The ensemble has given numerous concerts in Estonia as well as internationally and their music has found a place in the hearts of many music lovers. Their performances are always highly anticipated events where people get to enjoy beautiful music and create emotional connections. The ensemble's intimate and heartfelt approach to music leaves the listeners with a warm and satisfying impression. Be it in concert, on record, or listening on a streaming platform.
Various instruments are played by Kristjan Häggblom and Renee Trei.

14th of November at 19.00 Cafe stage at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Luunja children's group

Estonia

Liis Tenno

The Luunja children's group was founded in 2025, and it currently includes 21 bright-eyed primary schoolers (years 1-5). Dance practices are full of joy, playfulness, and dance.

13th of November at 18.00 Community Celebration in Luunja

Klopandi

Estonia

Diana Tarto

The women's ensemble Klopandi has been together since the autumn of 1978, making them the oldest folk culture collective in Luunja municipality. The ensemble performs both traditional and choreographed dances. On several occasions, the group has had the joy of partaking in the creation process of dances dedicated to the ensembles, which they deem most special. Their favourite dance event is the Estonian Women’s Dance Festival. In 2025, they participated in the XXI Estonian Dance Festival “Iseoma”, for which they were coached by one of their very own dancers. Since the autumn of 2025, the group has been led by Diana Tarto.

13th of November at 18.00 Community Celebration in Luunja

Trambali

Estonia

Elen Rebane

Luunja folk dance society Trambali took its first dance steps together in 2012. The name Trambali comes from the South Estonian dialect – "trambalit lööma" (to beat the trambal) meaning “to dance.” The group wears folk costumes from the Tartu-Maarja parish when performing at local song and dance festivals as well as national celebrations. The ensemble has also participated in international folklore festivals in Estonia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. In addition to dancing, the group is bound by a deep friendship and frequently organizes sports events and recreational family activities together, such as hikes in all seasons, competitions, dance gatherings, and more.

13th of November at 18.00 Community Celebration in Luunja

Dance Group Pikne

Estonia

Raul Markus Vaiksoo

Dance Group Pikne began as the youth organisation YFU's dance group in 2017. Over the years, the group has included dancers from countries such as Germany and Japan, while still focusing on Estonian folk dance. In 2019, the group adopted the name Pikne (meaning "lightning" or "thunderbolt") – symbolizing an aspiration towards sharp and precise dance steps, but also representing the flashes of inspiration on the intertwining of traditional heritage and classical-technique-based stage dance. Dance Society Pikne has been a regular participant in the Estonian Dance Festival process and various regional festivals, presenting both the works of other choreographers and their own original creations in concerts.
The founder and artistic director of the Dance Group Pikne is Raul Markus Vaiksoo.

14th of November at 19.30 Festival dance club at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Näppepildurid

Estonia

Tanel Sakrits

Näppepildurid of the Tapa Music and Art School are a swell bunch of young people who started their sizzling ensemble in 2022. They play traditional pieces from their homeland and abroad. The band includes current and alumni plucked string instrument players from the Tapa Music and Art School music department under the guidance of teacher Tanel Sakrits. In addition, the band also includes young multi-instrumentalists, so there are always surprises. See you soon!

13. november 18.00 Tartu Folk: Youth Folk Celebration in Tartu at Tiigi Seltsimaja
14th of November at 19.30 Festival dance club at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Koos On Kergem

Estonia

Tuule Pihlap

"Koos on kergem" (“Together, it's easier") is a Tartu-based, brand-new, folklore-inspired, youthful, cheerful, positively charged, experimental, extravagant ensemble in duo form. The duo is made up of two childhood friends - animal lover Oskar Nursi (typically) on the mandolin and bird lover Tuule Pihlap (typically) on the karmoška. The band's name refers to how together, it's easier, and therefore alone, it’s harder.

The ensemble's repertoire mainly consists of Southern Estonian folk tune arrangements. The duo first had their debut last summer at Viljandi Folk. The young artists were looking for a challenge and a fresh duo was born out of a wager between the two members. Now they have decided to take the stage again in their long-awaited comeback at Tartu Folk. Are you ready? Cause they're not - but after all, together it's easier.

14th of November at 19.00 Cafe stage at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Folk music ensemble of the Tabivere hobby school

Estonia

Kert Krüsban

The folk music ensemble of Tabivere hobby school began as a school ensemble during the 2023/24 academic year. Today, it operates as a group that includes not only students but also alumni and teachers. The ensemble performs music from Estonia and around the world – suitable for both dancing and listening!

13. november 18.00 Tartu Folk: Youth Folk Celebration in Tartu at Tiigi Seltsimaja

Soveldaja band

Estonia

Spark and joy meet on the dance floor when the Soveldaja band takes the stage!
The band was established in the autumn of 2022, alongside the Soveldaja dance club, to provide live music for the public. From a small core of musicians, it has grown into a large, spirited ensemble that performs both traditional folk music, ranging from older to more recent pieces, and original arrangements, playing for both concerts and dances.

The band consists of accordions, violins, whistles, the kannel, the jaw harp, rhythm instruments, guitar, and vocals.

14th of November at 19.30 Festival dance club at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Triinu Orgmets

Estonia

Triinu Orgmets is a folk musician whose passion is the kannel. Triinu studied folk music and the kannel at the University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy and at the Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki. For her, the kannel is like a second mother tongue: it is an instrument through which tradition, improvisation and the contemporary soundscape intertwine.

Triinu’s work straddles the boundary between tradition and the present – by exploring old playing techniques and an archaic soundscape, she brings these to the modern listener through her own distinctive interpretation, occasionally weaving fairy tales or folk verses into her music. Sincerity, curiosity and a sense of presence characterise her music. Each piece tells a short narrative – a story of roots, people and times that lives on through sound. Listeners are taken on a journey through the world of the kannel: at times contemplative and profound, at others playful and flowing, but always honest and authentic.

14th of November at 19.00 Cafe stage at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Pärnu Spelmanslag

Estonia

Erhard Ohlhoff

Pärnu Spelmanslag has been active since 2017. The ensemble aims to introduce Estonian audiences to beautiful folk violin tunes from various Scandinavian countries, as well as from other parts of Europe and, to some extent, Estonia. In addition to violins, the music features the distinctive sound of the harmonium, an instrument actually very typical of such ensembles. The arrangements also incorporate the bass clarinet, tin whistle, octave mandolin, and other instruments. The term "spelmanslag" in the Pärnu folk music ensemble's name comes from Swedish and means "folk music band" or "fiddle band."

14th of November at 19.30 Festival dance club at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

HAHETUS

Estonia

HAHETUS is a band brimming with joy, excitement and glee from singing. Five people playing the violin, guitar, double bass, recorder and percussion are enough to fill the stage with a kind of energy that will continue to gleam in the audience and in the young musicians for long.

14th of November at 19.00 Cafe stage at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Hendrik Matvejev

Estonia

Hendrik got acquainted with folk tradition more than 15 years ago in the folk dance ensemble Härmatis, but it was during his high school and university years when he formed a deeper connection; practicing traditional dance alongside playing the kannel with Maatasa. Hendrik’s first appearance as a DJ was at the 2024 Tartu Folk. Since then, he has performed at various other events and is now looking forward to returning to the festival. At the ethnodisco, Hendrik plays electronic dance music inspired by Estonian folklore as well as the folklore of the festival guest ensembles and other cultures, so there’ll be something new for everyone!

14th of November at 00.00 Ethno-disco at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

PILKE duo

Finland

Eveliina and Mitja Pilke are storytellers of folk tradition, devoted to preserving, sharing, and revitalizing cultural heritage. PILKE duo bring extensive experience in teaching dancers of all ages, along with a deep connection to both embodied and oral traditions.

Folkdisco is a participatory dance concept rooted in Karelian folk dance traditions. It combines guided movement, free dancing, and movement exploration. Participants are offered accessible and gently guided movement prompts that encourage them to move together and discover their own way of dancing. Folkdisco was developed in North Karelia Joensuu, Finland in 2025.

14th of November at 00.00 Ethno-disco at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Children's group of the Folklore Club Maatasa

Estonia

Halliki Pihlap

The children in the folklore club Maatasa are aged 7–13. Together, they sing folk songs, play traditional games, and perform simpler instrumental tunes. The children’s group will make an appearance on the opening day of the festival during a fairy-tale morning held at the Tartu City Library. Estonian folktales will be read by Anu Amor-Narits and Kirsti Läänesaar.

12th of November at 10.30 Fairy Tale Morning at the children's and youth department of the Tartu City Library

Väägvere Village Band

Estonia

The Väägvere Village Band is a folk music ensemble from Tartu Parish, established in 2005. The group takes its name from the village where its core members reside and where they hold their rehearsals.
The aim of the Väägvere Village Band is to preserve and develop traditional Estonian instrumental music and to inspire young people to engage with folk music. The members note that what they enjoy most is the energy of playing together and the sparkle in the eyes of the audience.
The ensemble has performed across Estonia, appearing at events such as the instrumental and folk music programs of the Song and Dance Festival, the Mardilaat (St. Martin’s Day Fair), the Sabatants festival, and various folklore festivals, including Baltica and Tähefolk, among others. They have also collaborated with choirs and folk dance groups. The band has shared the joy of music beyond Estonia’s borders, participating in festivals in countries ranging from Latvia to Australia, and from Udmurtia to Chile.
The Väägvere Village Band is also one of the organizers of the Wäägvere Wolk festival, which took place for the seventh time this year!

13th of November at 18.00 Community Celebration in Tabivere

Aivar and Martin Arak

Estonia

Martin and Aivar Arak are a father and son united by their love for Estonian traditional music and the kannel (folk zither). Aivar Arak has been playing the kannel since 1977. His interest in music began from his childhood home, where the sounds of his father’s violin and his relatives’ kannel and accordion could be heard. Over the years, he has developed into a distinctive musician, performing both as a soloist and as part of various ensembles. Martin Arak, also known as "Kandle-Oss", is a third-generation traditional musician who learned to play the kannel by ear under his father’s guidance. In 2020, he was awarded the title of "National Musician" (Vabariigi Pillimees) following a public vote. Martin is known for his energetic playing style, charisma, and his ability to engage the audience and get the dance floor moving with joy.

13th of November at 18.00 Community Celebration in Luunja

Väike Hellero

Estonia

Janika Oras

Väike Hellero (Little Hellero) is already a 30-year-old song community for whom singing runosongs is a natural part of life. We continue the traditions of Hellero, performing both Estonian and Seto runic songs, and always gladly include songs from other Finno-Ugric peoples in our repertoire.

14th of November at 11.00 Tartu Folk: Workshop on Livonian and Ingrian Songs at the Estonian Literary Museum

Red'se

Estonia

Margus Põldsepp

Red'se came together at the Karksi-Nuia Music School in the autumn of 2024, driven by a desire to find greater joy in playing music and to share that joy with others. While the band places great value on upholding the traditional heritage of the Mulgimaa region, they also look outward at the wider world with an open mind, seeking fresh ideas and inspiration. In the Mulgi dialect, "red'se" means spirited, energetic, hardworking, diligent, and proud - exactly what this cool group of girls are.

13. november 18.00 Tartu Folk: Youth Folk Celebration in Tartu at Tiigi Seltsimaja

Humin

Estonia

Humin is a folk music ensemble formed in 2020 that performs original compositions. Humin describes a soft, monotonous, deep humming sound, as is the hum of the forest. In music, this word could be used as a synonym for drone.
Band members have commented on their name as such: "We warmed up to the name Humin, as our music is diverse and a bit of a hum or murmur can be heard every now and then. Additionally, we want this word to become more widely known in Estonia for its beauty and meaning."

Humin’s music features a blend of folk, pop and jazz, their songs are about life itself and express their own experiences. In 2023, they expanded their musical repertoire, bringing a touch of Scottish flavour to their songs.

In 2024, 2025 and 2026, Humin won the prize for the best arrangement of the mandatory piece at Mooste Elohelü competition for folk music arrangements.

14th of November at 19.00 Cafe stage at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Kadents

Estonia

Kadents is a folk music duo comprising first-year students Birk and Marta from the University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy. The ensemble offers listeners both traditional tunes and original compositions inspired by folk music. Kadents’ soundscape takes listeners back thirty years to the atmosphere of the first Viljandi Folk Festival, when the stages were smaller and people’s hearts warmer.

14th of November at 19.00 Cafe stage at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Driiode

Estonia

Driiode is a novel project whose members aim to blend the exciting tones of violin, mandolin and saxophone with traditional music.
Photo: Juhan Koppel

14th of November at 19.00 Cafe stage at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Nukitsamehe naised

Estonia

Artur Aunap

Nukitsamehe Naised (anno 2017) is a folk music ensemble based at the Kaarepere Community Centre, performing traditional tunes and songs for their own enjoyment and that of others. While the group initially consisted solely of women working at the Nukitsamees kindergarten, the current lineup also includes Artur, along with Helgi, Eha, Liivi, and Maire. And, given that the ensemble is from the Paunvere region, their performances naturally always feature the musical tunes of the character Imelik from the Estonian classic adaptation "Kevade".

13th of November at 18.00 Community Celebration in Tabivere

Torbikud

Estonia

Kati Grauberg and Trine Lepp

Torbikud is a mixed folk dance group that brings together people who share a love of Estonian folk dancing, good company and doing things together. The group first came together on 1 October 2009 at Tiigi Community Centre in Tartu, and the same year saw the establishment of the non-profit organisation Rahvatantsuselts Torbikud. Since 2025, the group has been operating as a folk dance ensemble representing Tartu Parish.
Today, two mixed dance groups perform under the name Torbikud. Over the years, the dancers have participated in every Estonian General and Youth Dance Celebration, as well as county and regional dance festivals, South-Eastern Estonian Dance Festivals, women’s and men’s dance festivals, and winter dance days in Tartu, Kambja and Viljandi. They have also introduced Estonian folk dancing at international festivals in Italy, Slovakia and Bulgaria.
The group’s motto is “A dancing Torbik never gathers moss!” It perfectly captures the spirit of the group — active, energetic, curious and always ready for new challenges.

13th of November at 18.00 Community Celebration in Tabivere

Women's folk dance ensemble Hermine

Estonia

Piret Pruus

Hermine, a women’s folk dance group based in Lähte, Tartu Parish, brings together 14 bright-eyed, dance-loving women whose shared journey began in 1999. The group’s name is inspired by Hermine Elisabeth Jürgens, the witch of the local area, Äksi – and who knows, perhaps a touch of magical power hides within the steps of today’s dancers as well!
The women of Hermine are united by a love for folk dance, a good sense of humor, and the joy of doing things together. Their dance steps have taken them to local celebrations, major dance festivals, and even international stages. The dancers take particular pride in their beautiful folk costumes from the Äksi parish (completed in 2024) which help preserve the cultural heritage of their home region.