Estonian Music Week Unites Music and Cultural Diplomacy in Toronto

From May 22–25, 2025, Estonian Music Week (EMW) in Toronto celebrates its 5th edition with the rich tapestry of Estonian and Canadian music, and spotlighting the global impact of Estonian musical heritage. Founded in 2018 by the Museum of Estonians Abroad (VEMU) to mark the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, EMW has since grown into the largest Estonian cultural event in Canada.

“Soft power has a vital role in diplomacy. With over 150 years of song festival tradition, Estonians know the power of music: it may not destroy the enemy, but it uplifts morale, builds dignity, nourishes the soul, and helps us make friends. In a time when the world around us grows increasingly restless, we all need the healing power of music,” says Piret Noorhani, Festival Director and Chief Archivist of VEMU.

Over four days, the festival will showcase a vibrant lineup of performers, from classical and choral music to contemporary and experimental genres. Highlights include Curly Strings, The Crosslegs, Estonian Voices, Tuulikki Bartosik x Sander Mölder, Mart Avi, Ensemble U:, and Vox Clamantis. Canadian-Estonian band Now in Service and the Ukrainian-Bulgarian fusion group from Montreal Dumai Dunai will also take the stage. In collaboration with SING! The Toronto International Vocal Arts Festival, audiences will hear vocal ensemble Countermeasure, and through Wavelength Music, performances by Caracol and psychedelic band One Hundred Moons.

“EMW offers music for all ages and tastes, regardless of the listener’s background. One of VEMU’s missions is to introduce Canadian audiences to Estonia – its history and culture. This year we celebrate several anniversaries: Udo Kasemets 110, Lembit Avesson 100, Veljo Tormis 95, Arvo Pärt 90 – and we welcome back Vox Clamantis, Estonian Voices, and Ensemble U:, who performed in earlier festivals. EMW also builds bridges between cultures, featuring a diverse roster of Canadian artists, including Estonian-Canadians. For the second time, the festival also hosts the Nordic Connect conference with participants from six countries,” explains Sebastian Buccioni, the Artistic Director.

In parallel with the festival, the Nordic Connect Conference (NCC) gathers artists and creative professionals from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, Denmark, and Canada. This boutique industry event fosters international collaboration, offers regional market insights, and explores cultural dialogue. Drawing inspiration from the Estonian diaspora’s legacy in Toronto, NCC also gives participants a unique opportunity to connect with the local community and its historical contributions.

Full program and details: https://2025.estonianmusicweek.ca

Video recap from EMW 2023: https://youtu.be/HRuBfg1JuHg

Estonian Music Week 2025 extends heartfelt thanks to all supporters and partners who make the festival possible. The event is led by the Museum of Estonians Abroad (VEMU) and Tartu College in Toronto.

Estonian Music Week 2025 is made possible through the generous support of many partners. The Estonian Foundation of Canada and Canadian Heritage serve as the festival’s major funders, with additional funding provided by the Toronto Arts Council, the Estonian Embassy in Ottawa, the Cultural Endowment of Estonia, Music Estonia, and the Estonian Authors’ Society. Northern Birch Credit Union is the festival’s primary sponsor, with Estonian Relief Committee in Canada, Ehatare Nursing and Retirement Home, Study in Estonia, Hopp, Constellation Creative, BrokerLink, and The Cotton Factory. The Nordic Connect Conference receives further support from the Canada Council for the Arts, FACTOR, and the City of Toronto. 

Festival presenting partners include SING! The Toronto International Vocal Arts Festival, Wavelength, and DROM Taberna. Media partners are Eesti Elu, Exclaim!, and WholeNote, while Sviby also serves as the ticketing partner. The lead partner of NCC is the Humber Polytechnic's Centre for Creative Business Innovation, with additional strategic collaboration from organizations across the Nordic-Baltic and Canadian music sectors, including Music Estonia, Music Finland, Tempi (Denmark), the Latvian Music Information Centre, the Music Information Centre Lithuania, Women in Music Canada, Folk Music Canada, the International Indigenous Music Summit, the Toronto Music Festival and the Toronto Folk Festival. Special thanks to the National Arts Centre, Sunfest, and the Music Managers Forum.

 

Curly Strings https://youtu.be/jTv3wWQDDgQ

The Crosslegs https://youtu.be/-q0QVR_959A

Estonian Voices https://youtu.be/9cjuTYZBWOI

Tuulikki Bartosik x Sander Mölder https://youtu.be/YFeWbcaNrSY

Mart Avi https://youtu.be/nFYoVnBwfL8

Ansambel U: https://youtu.be/67Zi8xtMENg?si=LccfnhR6Wrc7uhZN&t=427

Vox Clamantis https://youtu.be/QPQzlZh4LKY