Culture Calendar 2011

JULY

1. July - Võru Roller
Summer skiing competitions on the streets of Võru. www.okvoru.ee; Sixten Sild (+372) 5068377, sixten@okvoru.ee

4. - 17. July - The XXV Pärnu International Film Festival
International Film Festival is one of the longest running cultural festivals and in 2011 celebrates it’s 25th anniversary. An anniversary presents an opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved and to remember significant landmarks. In addition to the festivals programme running both on screens in Pärnu and on Estonian National Television various films that have received awards over the last 25 years will be screened. During the first two weeks we’ll present 150 new films in Pärnu, supplemented by 24 films in the retro programme. There is a wide range of films from portraits of the lives of indigenous peoples to sci-fi experimental films. The Festival’s theme is to support the survival of the unique cultural fragments of indigenous people. The participation of children is greatly valued and encouraged so we organise workshops for them to enter a separate competition for the best documentary made by children. The best Estonian documentary will also be awarded with a traditional folk rug. The main programme in Pärnu from the 4-17th of July, a selection of films from the programme will be shown in Haapsalu, Viljandi, Otepää, Narva-Jõesuu from the 18-24th of July 2011. www.chaplin.ee

7.-9. July - The Paide Limestone Symposium

7. July - 7. August - The summer season of the ‘Endla’ theatre in Pärnu and Kurgja
The unique summer season tradition of the Pärnu theatre began in 1969 when summer visitors had the chance to see all the plays in the theatre’s repertoire. In the summer of 2011 Endla offers both options, the season’s repertoire played at the theatre during the month and an open-air play at the Kurgja farm museum. www.endla.ee

8.-9. July - The XVIII Tõrva Town Days – The 85th Jubilee year www.torva.ee; (+372) 76 65 332

8.-10.July - The American Beauty Car Show at the Haapsalu Castle Yard
The largest American car show, reunion and drag race in the Baltics. Additional information: (+372) 666 420; (+372) 506 0078; american@american.ee; www.american.ee

8.-10. July - The Music Festival ‘Homage to Valgre’ in Pärnu
In June 2002 a beautiful tradition in Pärnu began enlivening every summer with Raimond Valgre and his evergreen popular music to Pärnu locals and holidaymakers. The festival’s peak is the large gala concert in the garden of the Ammende Villa where this year Estonian actors will perform Valgre’s songs accompanied by Urmas Lattikas’ Orchestra. Organised by Öine Vahetus Ltd.

8.-16. July - The Summer Music Festival ‘Seven Cities Music’ at the Jõhvi Concert Hall

9.-10. July - The Estonian Summer Games in Rakvere
The Summer Games will conclude with the winners being awarded from the following categories: the best boroughs awards for populations up to 2000 and populations over 2000; best cities awards for populations up to 10,000 and over 10,000; best counties awards for populations up to 40,000 and over 40,000. www.rakverespordikeskus.ee

9.-10. July - The XII Line-Dance Festival in Pärnu and Pärnu County
An inseparable part of the Line-Dance Festival has always been the creation of the longest dance line. Around a couple hundred dancers participated in the first dance line and in 2008 a Guinness World Record was created with 2345 participants. It is a cosy event held in the Audru borough at the Sassi farm, away from the city noise, facilitating line dancing and performances of the dance troupes. The opening concert and closing party of the festival take place in Pärnu. www.estonianlinedance.com

09.-17. July - The Europa Cantat Junior in Pärnu

The International Youth Choir Festival. The International federation of young choirs ‘Europa Cantat’ has asked Estonia to host the 2011 Children and Youth Music Festival ‘Europa Cantat Junior 6’. The festival itself is a highly recognised cultural and training exchange and approximately 800 children- and youth choir singers from Europe and beyond are expected to participate. During the festival various art studios will be open in Pärnu, playing a variety of music and teaching. In the evenings there are concerts on open-air stages, in churches and concert halls. www.kooriyhing.ee; www.europacantat.org

10. July - The Valga Half-Ironman Estonian Championship
The best Estonian sportsmen will take part in the Valga Half-Ironman Estonian Championship, the Estonian Championship of half-triathlon. The swimming leg will take place in Lake Pedeli, cycling along the Valga-Tartu highway and the run is around Lake Pedeli. www.valga.ee; +372 56 951 593

10. July - 13. August - The Summer Aria 2011 at the Pärnu Old City Yard

The Summer Aria is a unique open-air musical theatre festival in the Summer Capital offering refined entertainment. The performances begin an hour and half before midnight during the long summer nights in the unique atmosphere of the Pärnu City Yard. One can enjoy dreams, love, and all the drama of emotions translated into the languages of sound and dramatic art under limelight. There will be familiar opera arias, surprising new sounds from current composers and the special acoustics of the location will bind them all together into a mystical entirety against the background of the sounds of nature. www.ooper.parnu.ee

11.-17. July - The XIX Young Dance Festival and the international summer school
Additional information: MTÜ evestuudio, (+372) 433 3774, (+372) 5179 773, eve@notafe.ee, www.notafe.ee

11.-17. July - The Unicef Blue Week in Pärnu
In 2004 Pärnu was awarded the title of a child and youth friendly town, however this year it plays host to the Unicef Blue Week for the first time. The goal of the event is to show children and their parents the various leisure activities the city offers. The Unicef Blue Week has previously been hosted by Tallinn, Kuressaare, Tartu and Viljandi. www.unicef.ee

13.-17. July - The XXVI Viljandi Old Music Festival
A festival combining the beauty of the ancient town with music loved for centuries. This was the first Estonian old music festival and was first held in 1982. Concerts are held in the town’s churches, various halls and in other exciting places in the town. Additional information: MTÜ Viljandi Vanamuusika Festival, (+372) 5665 9257, trall@viljandimaa.ee, www.viljandimaa.ee/vanamusa

14.-17. July - The Võru Folklore Festival
An international folklore festival (songs, dances, food and handicraft). www.werro.ee/folkloor; Peeter Laurson (+372) 50587757, peeter@mv.werro.ee

14.-21. July - Summer School at the Evald Okas Museum in Haapsalu
Acrylic painting, drawing the old town of Haapsalu, graphics, life drawing. Additional information: (+372) 521 6572; eo.muuseum@gmail.com

15.-17. July - The International Classic Music Festival ‘Lihula Music Days’
The initiators of the event were young musicians from the Järvi dynasty headed by Miina Järvi, whose ancestors came from Lihula. The goal of the festival is to introduce top quality classical music to those outside the capital city. In addition to the musical programme visitors can also participate in workshops, art exhibitions and performances in the master’s courtyard. High culture will no longer reside only in cities as in Lihula exciting concert venues are provided for talented musicians. Additional information: info@lihulamuusikapaevad.com; www.lihulamuusikapaevad.com

19.-26. July - The David Oistrakh Festival 2011 in Pärnu

This is currently one of the most established music events which begun in the early 1970s when the world famous violinist David Oistrakh, who used to spend his summer holidays in Pärnu, invited his musician friends and students to join him here in order to play music together and exchange experiences. These music festivities have since been associated with David Oistrakh’s name and have continued with some short breaks right up to today. The organisers of the festival wish to keep the spirituality once created by Oistrakh alive in Pärnu and to attract the best musicians and most interesting music, including new compositions. www.oistfest.ee

20.-24. July - Europeade 2011 in Tartu

Five days filled with dance, songs and instrumental music; glorious opening and closing concerts and performances by folk dancers on the Tartu Song Festival Ground accompanied by musicians; group performances in the squares and streets of Tartu; choir concerts; performances of ensembles in the evenings on a big stage located in the heart of the town; a grand parade to the Song Festival Ground; also 1 and 2 day trips to other parts of Estonia to meet locals and get to know their life and to celebrate with their hosts. www.europeade.eu

21.-23- July - Rock Ramp in Viljandi
The Rock Ramp Festival is the best place to get acquainted with Estonian rock music. 15 years of festival experience, the perfect location at the Viljandi Castle Hills, a professionally run and a fun atmosphere have turned the Rock Ramp Festival into beloved every summer gathering for rock fans. Additional information: MTÜ Rock Ramp, (+372) 5377 7210, rockramp@hot.ee, www.rockramp.ee/rock

21.-26. July - The ‘Glass Bead Game’ Festival 2011 in Tartu

Additional information: www.erpmusic.com

22.-24. July - Tartu Hanseatic Days

The traditional Tartu Hanseatic Days offer three days of fair fun, attractions from different eras and workshops in their popular creations Jaani Town, Jõe Town, Rae Town, Children’s Town and Country Town. In addition workshops will take place this year at the newly opened Iron Town near the Tasku Centre and the Ahhaa Science Centre and at the Science Town on Toome Hill. www.hansapaevad.ee

23. July - The National Dog Show at Haapsalu Castle Yard
Additional information: (+372) 511 6165; naitus@nublud.ee

25.-31.July - The XVIII International Haapsalu String Festival
The festival concentrates on string music and has a broad ensemble repertoire from jazz to pop music. Along side the string festival a summer course for string instrument players also takes place. Additional information: (+372) 5564 5969; ingrid.arro@gmail.com.

28.-31. July - Viljandi Folk

The 19th Viljandi Folk Music Festival. Audience numbers show that this is one of the largest in Estonia and the whole of the Baltics bringing culture loving people together from both near and far. It is no exaggeration to say that during this event the number of residents in Viljandi doubles. Over 100 folk music concerts take place over four days on stages located at the Castle Hills and in the heart of Viljandi. President Toomas Hendrik Ilves himself states that the Viljandi Folk Music Festival has become a unique event which marks the passing of a year for many people. Additional information: MTÜ Eesti Pärimusmuusika Keskus, www.folk.ee, folk@folk.ee, (+372) 434 2050.

28. July – 3. August - The International Järvi Summer Festival in Pärnu
The Järvi Summer Festival gathers symphony orchestras and world-renowned conductors. Festivals where several symphony orchestras and world famous conductors participate on a daily basis are rare. This year in addition to Neeme Järvi one may see the world-renowned conductors Leonid Grin and Paavo Järvi, the soloist and living legend violinist Ivry Gitlis and many other Estonian and world renowned musicians. A debut performance will also be made by the Järvi Festival Orchestra which consists of the best young Estonian musicians working and studying broad. www.jarviacademy.ee

29. July - The Art Festival ‘Seanahk 3’ (‘Pig Skin 3’) in Haapsalu
The art festival ‘Seanahk 3’ is an international art festival lead by Jaan Toomik and Johannes Deimling which emphasises the value of Haapsalu’s urban space, taking some long-forgotten places with special atmospheres back into the mainstream. Curated by Jaan Toomik, the works of young Estonian painters and a lively and colourful art programme can be seen. The world-renowned performance-art curator Johannes Deimling brings 10 world famous performance artists to Haapsalu in cooperation with the European Capital of Culture Turku 2011. Only here will you have the opportunity to see the top international performance-art culture as represented by Arti Grabowski (Krakow, Poland), Essi Kausalainen (Helsinki, Finland), Katharina Kastl (Dresden, Germany), Marcio Carvalho (Lisbon, Portugal (living in Berlin)), Andres Galeano (Matero, Spain (living in Berlin)), Antoni Karwowski, (Szczecin, Poland), Ieke Trinks (Rotterdam, Netherlands), Ingolf Keiner (Berlin, Germany), Susanne Irene (Fjortoft, Bergen, Norway), Stefan Riebel (Leipzig, Germany), Magnus Kristinsson, (Iceland (living in Finland)). Additional information: (+372) 5660 5860; piret@turundustugi.ee

29. July - St. Olaf’s Day on the Island of Vormsi
The St. Olaf’s Day takes place for the 21st time and is a traditional festivity for the Estonian Swedes and Vormsi locals. It is the most significant event on the island with various concerts, shows and much more. Additional information: (+372) 472 4072; vv@vormsi.ee

29. – 31. July - XII Porcelain Days at Nooruse Maja Cultural Centre in Pärnu
The Porcelain Days offer porcelain painters the opportunity to supplement their skills under the guidance of professionals. Attendees have the opportunity to see an exhibition displaying the best works of Estonian and Finnish artists over the past year. Visitors also have the opportunity to take part in workshops for various levels. Additional information: www.noorusemaja.ee

29. – 31. July - Baltic-Nordic Harmonica Festival 2011 in Pärnu

The Pärnu Harmonica Festival, which is in its tenth year, has become one of the largest festivals of its kind in the Nordic countries. The top performers include classical virtuoso Franz Chmel (Austria) and Steve Baker (England/Germany). The ‘Baltic-Nordic Open’ competition is being organised during the festival, and five concerts will be performed in Pärnu and the European Capital of Culture, Tallinn. Additional information: www.piccolo.ee

AUGUST

1.-6. August - 2011 Pärnu Blues Days

The focus of this festival is on workshops for both youngsters and professional musicians. Internationally renowned musicians will conduct the master classes. Headlining the 2011 Blues Days is Steve Lury from England (UK/Great Britain). There will also be concerts in various locations around Pärnu, in addition to open-air concerts. Additional information: www.parnublues.ee

1.-10. August - Summer University in Pärnu

The X International Arbo Valdma master class for pianists. The Summer University, which is taking place for the tenth time, is for those who are keen to learn the piano. Pärnu’s own internationally renowned Dr. h.c Arbo Valdma will give open lessons in Pärnu Town Hall and will facilitate audience participation in the classes. The SUVEUNI (Summer’s Dream) pianists will perform at studio and cafe concerts. Additional information: www.parnukontsert.ee

4.-8. August - Lihula Culture Days ‘Lihula 800’
Late night cinema, a medieval battle at Lihula Castle Hill, concerts, exhibitions, performances, sports competition, a fair and more. Additional information: (+372) 477 8191; lihula.kultuurimaja@mail.ee; www.lihula.ee

5. August - Sea Mile Run in Narva-Jõesuu

5.-6. August - August Blues Festival at Haapsalu Castle
The ‘August Blues’ festival offers people the opportunity to enjoy blues music and attracts visitors to Haapsalu from both Estonia and abroad. Additional information: (+372) 507 7791; info@lag.ee; www.augustibluus.ee

5.-6. August - XIV Pärnu Guild Days
A large handicraft fair in the heart of Pärnu, where visitors from near and far are invited to showcase their genuine, hand-crafted products. The main street in the centre of the city will be the venue for the handicraft masters. Additional information: www.maarjamagdaleenagild.ee

6. August - 2011 PLINK-PLONK Festival in Tartu

Additional information: www.plinkplonk.ee

8.-13. August - tARTuFF Tartu Love Film Festival

tARTuFF is an open-air film festival held in Tartu Town Hall Square with its centre theme being love and its various forms. Additional information: www.tartuff.ee

11.-13.August - Pärnu International Theatre Festival ‘Monomaffia’
An August theatre festival at which both professionals and amateurs meet and fill the urban space with theatre. This time, the main emphasis of the festival will be on street theatres.

12. August - An exhibition of paintings by Valev and Kalli Sein at Jõhvi Town Gallery

12.-13. August - Tuld ja tõrva (Fire and Tar) spellcasting festival in Tõrva

13. August - Harmonic Accordion Sounds in Põlva

13. August - August Insomnia in Pärnu

The concept for the Night of the Arts as a Street Festival came from the history of Pärnu resort; as a result, many of the events take place in the area of the historic Pärnu Resort, with the focal point being Supeluse street. The festival offers various open-air events including street music, a late night cinema and a dance, as well as a theatre performance, park concerts and courtyard cafes. Each performance location has various activities lasting for 3-4 hours. Additional information: www.augustiunetus.ee

12.-14. August - The White Lady Festival and The White Lady Open-air Performance

Between the mysterious walls of Haapsalu Episcopal Castle lives the most famous Estonian legend – the White Lady. The White Lady Festival is dedicated to this legend and takes place every August during the full moon. Additional information: (+372) 472 4470; info@kultuurimaja.ee; www.valgedaam.kultuurimaja.ee

13.-14. August - European Sumo Championship in Rakvere Sports Centre
Rakvere is hosting the Sumo competition for the third time, and the European Championship tournament will also take place this year. Additional information: Inge Peebu (+372) 53 33 00 34, inge.peebu@rakvere.ee

14. August - 5th Tartu Inline Skating Marathon

Many experts were sceptical about the popularity of this sport before the first Tartu Inline Skating Marathon. The first event still managed to bring together around a thousand participants and many participants of the Tartu Complex Event discovered a new sport – inline skating. The second SEB Tartu Inline Skating Marathon already had 1,114 participants, and this coming marathon will hopefully top the 1,500 mark. This year, for the first time, 42 and 21 km distances are planned. Additional information: www.tartumaraton.ee

16.-20. August - Võru Brass Music Days 
www.voru.ee; Ilmar Kudu (+372) 53472194, ikudu@hot.ee

17.-21. August - 7th Tartu International Brass Music Festival

This is a festival that allows musicians and non-musicians to celebrate together. We’ll play together and enjoy each other’s company and the music. The pleasure of playing is for us and for the audience. The festival is being held in the centre of Tartu with the main stage being on Tartu Town Hall Square; the second concert stage will be at St. John’s Church. Additional information: www.potartu.ee

19.-20. August - Valga Festival of Military History

The aim of the festival is to introduce the history of Estonia through the prism of military history. Through recreational and group activities, people from different cultural backgrounds are given the opportunity to accept and understand each other. The march of the soldiers through the town and the re-enactments of battles form a spectacular event and a huge attraction. Concerts, exhibitions and different activities for children and adults also comprise part of the festival. Additional information: www.isamaalinemuuseum.ee; (+372) 512 1044

19.-20. August - South Estonian Rally, Võru County
www.southestoniarally.ee; Andu Värton (+372) 5039136, andu.varton@ark.ee

19.-20. August - Võru Town Days
www.voru.ee; Inge Tolga (+372) 5186850, inge.tolga@voru.ee

24.-27. August - International Youth Basketball Tournament Jõhvi/Järve Cup at Jõhvi Sports Hall

26.-27. August - Estonian Brass Ensemble Festival in Türi
A national gathering of professional brass players, with the brass ensembles offering musical delights to all participants. The half-hour concerts take place in various locations throughout the parish. Additional information: www.tyri.ee; kultuur@tyri.ee

26.-28. August - – J. Gutmann Võru Volleyball Tournament
An international volleyball tournament. Additional information: www.voruvk.ee; Aksel Saal (+372) 53451539, voruvk@voruvk.ee

27. August 2011 - The Night of Ancient Bonfires at Pärnu Beach

A tradition of bonfires dating back to the Viking Age and revived by the Finns in the 1990s has also spread to the coastal areas of Estonia over the past number of years. Today, the aim of the Night of Ancient Bonfires is to encourage unity among the Baltic states, and to this end bonfires are lit on the coast of Finland, the Åland Islands and Sweden, in the Baltics and on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea on the last Saturday in August.

SEPTEMBER

1. September - Tartus targaks! The Day of Wisdom
Additional information: lille.tartu.ee

1. September - Orchestre de Paris conducted by Paavo Järvi at the Estonia Concert Hall in Tallinn

The new season of the State Concert Institute Eesti Kontsert is being unveiled by Orchestre de Paris, with their repertoire representing the compositions of contemporary composers and premier performances. Additional information: www.tallinn2011.ee

1.-4. September - The Eclectica 2011 Interdisciplinary Avant-garde Festival in Tartu

Additional information: www.eclectica.ee

3. September - XXVI Public Race in Jõhvi

5.-11. September - DRAAMA 2011 Estonian Theatre Festival

Additional information: www.festival.ee

9.-11. September - VII Nostalgia Days in Haapsalu
The event has two goals: to reunite the owners of old vehicles and to remember past times through exhibitions, culture and film programmes and more. Additional information: (+372) 5669 8144; see@seeteater.ee; nostalgiapaevad.wordpress.com

13.-17. September - Viljandi Guitar Festival
The purpose of this international festival is to introduce and develop improvised guitar playing. In addition to concerts, the festival also offers younger musicians the opportunity to participate in workshops and observe the different guitar techniques of professionals. Additional information: MTÜ Viljandi Kitarrifestival, www.viljandiguitar.ee, (+372) 507 9909, ain.agan@viljandiguitar.ee

14.-18. September - IX Matsalu Nature Film Festival in Lihula and Haapsalu
The aim of the festival is to introduce and focus on new nature films and their producers and to facilitate distribution of the films. Traditionally, nature photo exhibitions also form part of the festival. Additional information: (+372) 551 0910; tiit.mesila@matsalufilm.ee

18. September - 14th Tartu Cycling Marathon

Based on the number of participants, the SEB Tartu Cycling Marathon is the second largest cycling marathon in the world. Additional information: www.tartumaraton.ee

21. September - Traditional Music Centre in Viljandi
Django Bates and the ‘Unelmate Orchestra’. In cooperation with the Estonian Jazz Union.

23.-24. September - Youth in European Culture, Narva

25. September - VIII Cultural Festival of Ethnic Minorities ‘The Creative Melting Pot of National Cultures’ at Jõhvi Concert Hall

OCTOBER

1. October - St. Michael’s Day Fair and Festivities in Valga
All traders, animal breeders, fruit and vegetable growers, bread makers and preserve and homemade wine makers are invited to attend. The event also has an interesting cultural and sports programme. Additional information: www.valga.ee; (+372) 5345 3457

1. October - St. Michael’s Day Fair near St. Michael’s Church, Jõhvi

2. October - XXX Paide-Türi Public Race
A 14 km path connecting the two towns attracts thousands of sports fans in addition to participants taking part in the shorter distances, children’s runs and mini runs. In recent years, Nordic Walking enthusiasts are also welcome. Additional information: www.rahvajooks.ee; info@rahvajooks.ee

5.-9. October - Tartu International Early Music Festival Orient et Occident

Additional information: www.festivitas.ee

10.-16. October - Tartu Autumn Days 2011

Additional information: www.studentdays.ee

20.-28. October - XII International New Music Festival: Symphonies of the Future at Concert Halls in Tallinn

The emphasis of the festival is to present innovations in the art of sound. World-renowned composers and conductors conduct their own music. Additional information: www.tallinn2011.ee

23. October - Pärnu Endla Theatre 100
The professional Endla theatre was founded in 1911 when the new theatre building was completed and a new troupe began working there. The new building was opened on the 22 October 1911 with a gala performance of ‘Werewolf’ by August Kitzberg. As a result, 23 October has become the theatre’s official birthday and in 2011 the theatre will celebrate its 100th birthday. Additional information: www.endla.ee

24.-30. October - The Dance of Death at Tallinn’s Charles Church

The English composer and conductor Gregory Rose was inspired by Bernt Notke’s ‘Dance of Death’ and wrote a composition for a choir and an instrumental ensemble based on the painting. Additional information: www.tallinn2011.ee

27.-29. October - XXIX Pärnu Accordion Music Festival
In recent years, Pärnu has become a popular accordion town with neighbouring countries, and the annual autumn festival is visited by over 150 accordion players from Latvia, Lithuania, Finland and Estonia. Additional information: www.hot.ee/tremoloao

28.-29. October - Naff Youth Amateur Film Festival

Additional information: www.tartunoored.ee/naff

NOVEMBER

12. November - Noor Rock Youth Bands Festival in Valga
A unique, long-standing band festival for young people that once a year brings all the young bands from Valga County together on the one stage. Additional information: (+372) 5664 3961

18. November - 4. December - Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF)

The largest and most significant film festival in north-eastern Europe is taking place for the 15th time this year, and it brings cinema to urban surroundings and brings animators to Tallinn. Due to its unique structure, the PÖFF festival offers the best animated, student and short films, fictional films and documentaries, and children’s and young people’s films of the year, and it encourages everyone to grab their mobile phones and try moviemaking themselves. Additional information: www.poff.ee

18. November - SÜGISULG 2011 Singing Competition at Pärnu Concert Hall