Estonia is more than endless forests, high-tech digital solutions, new Nordic cuisine, and medieval architecture. Estonia is also a unique cultural destination, welcoming classical music lovers with a wide selection of events and festivals. Thanks to its compact size, even a long weekend trip to Estonia gives the traveller many opportunities to attend festivals and concerts in different parts of the country and still have time to enjoy everything in between.
Estonian culture at a glance
Estonia's cultural heritage is rich in folk song and dance, colourful handicrafts, wooden saunas and rustic food. However, music has always played a highly important role in the cultural identity of Estonians. Estonia stands out from its neighbouring countries with its unconventional classical music and passion for choral singing.
Estonia sang its way to freedom
Estonians are often called the Singing Nation. After all, it makes sense: Estonian national identity was revitalized as local folk songs were recorded and the first Song Celebrations organized in the late 19th century. Estonia as a nation of song gained new traction during the Singing Revolution of the 1980s when masses gathered at the Song Festival Ground in Tallinn to demand the restoration of national independence through singing patriotic songs. Without music, Estonia as we know it probably would not exist.
Choral music is a cultural cornerstone
As a country with one of the world's largest known repertoires of folk songs, Estonia is never short of festivals to choose from. Choral music is deeply intertwined with Estonian culture and history. The Song and Dance Celebration is the ultimate place to hear Estonian folk choirs. As a festival included in UNESCO’s List of Intangible Heritage, it is the largest national festival in Estonia, drawing crowds of over 100,000 people. It’s held every five years and is a stunning sight to behold.
Outstanding classical music festivals
One Estonian is a household name for classical music fans worldwide — Arvo Pärt. He held the title of the world's most-performed living composer from 2012 to 2019 and again in 2022. After decades abroad, Pärt returned home to Estonia and set up a center to house his archives and serve as a library, museum, and event space. The building stands out for its curved design and peaceful setting in the forests of Laulasmaa.
Thanks to Estonia's love of music, the classical music scene here is alive and well, with festivals and event series taking place all year round and all over the country. Events are held in concert and opera halls, open-air courtyards, and even in the wilds of nature. Every music lover should check out the Estonian Music Days festival, held annually since 1979. The festival has been one of the country's most important, focusing on the work of contemporary Estonian composers for over 40 years. Concerts are held at the Arvo Pärt Centre and in different venues around Tallinn and Tartu.
Estonia's most popular classical music festivals:
- Estonian Music Days — Listen to the latest creations of Estonian composers, including musicians of various genres and styles
- Birgitta Festival — Operas and ballets, oratorios and galas, acknowledged coryphaeus and crazy experiments, guest performances and self-productions, classical and modern music – Brigitta Festival brings all of these together.
- Pärnu Music Festival — This week-long festival is held in various locations throughout the famous seaside town.
- Arvo Pärt Days — This festival celebrates the works of the most performed living composer whose journey to an international claim started in Estonia.
- Saaremaa Opera Days — One of the most popular opera festivals in the Baltics takes place every summer in the historical courtyard of Kuressaare Castle.
- Haapsalu Tchaikovsky Festival — This four-day festival brings together ballet, classical music and theatre in the romantic atmosphere of the resort town.
- Haapsalu Early Music Festival — This festival brings together the best musicians from Estonia and the rest of Europe; together, they aim to revive the music of many past centuries and offer unforgettable experiences to the audience.
