Ahead of the XXVIII Song and XXI Dance Celebration “Iseoma” (“Kinship”), the Song Celebration Museum presents its new exhibition, What Lies Ahead, Song Celebration? By offering a glance at key moments that have shaped the tradition and reflecting on contemporary challenges, the exhibition invites visitors to explore the possible futures of the Song Celebration. Voices featured include choral conductors and organisers contributing to the continuity of the tradition, as well as reflective audience members.
As Estonians, we are accustomed to thinking of the Song and Dance Celebration as a natural part of life, much like the passing of the seasons. Yet we must ask: how can we ensure that these unifying celebrations will continue to resonate with future generations? To contemplate the future of the Song and Dance Celebration, we must first consider whether, in today’s fragmented, unstable, and crisis-prone world, the celebration remains a self-evident and singular cultural pillar. Or has the continuity of this tradition become uncertain, requiring more deliberate and substantial support from the state and society, perhaps even significant renewal?
This exhibition takes a bold and imaginative look into the future of the Song and Dance Celebration, seeking to explore, alongside visitors, what these celebrations might look like fifty or even a hundred years from now.
Exhibition Team Curator: Kristiina Tael-Annuk (Song Celebration Museum / Tartu City Museum) Design: Inga Vares Graphic design: Merike Tamm Video interviews: Asko Altsoo, Risto Lehiste, Kristiina Tael-Annuk Information stands: Seri Disain Translation: Martin Jaigma Estonian editor: Ivi Tammaru
The exhibition has been made possible with the support of the Estonian Song and Dance Celebration Foundation, the Tartu Centre for Events, and the Estonian Cultural Endowment.
Admission General admission: €6 Discount ticket: €4 Children under 8: Free
On May 29th a tour titled “In the Footsteps of the First Song Celebrations” takes place. It begins at 5.30 PM next to the sculptures of Koidula and Jannsen and ends up at the new exhibition. Tickets are available from Piletimaailm.
Photo by Tarmo Haud