News
Festival promises engaging rhythms
07.03.2011
Estonian Traditional Music Center announced most of the performers of the next Viljandi Folk Music Festival.
Similarly to the previous years, the programme of the festival taking place on July 28-31 includes more than 70 concerts plus tens of performances on the Green Stage and on the dance floor. In addition to that, everyone is invited to attend the county concerts, workshops, night university, runo song nest, fairytale chamber, instrument fair, handicraft yard and film sessions.
The exact programme will be revealed in April when Piletilevi starts selling day passes and single concert tickets in addition to the passes which can already be purchased.
The Head of the Programme, Tarmo Noormaa, reminded everyone that the organisers of Viljandi Folk Music Festival do not usually label any of the performers as the headliners of the festival. "Throughout the years, our audiences have proven to be very professional and curious and that is why we want the guests to have a lot of freedom in their choices. However, one thing is certain - many exotic and engaging rhythms will be heard," he said.
Among the internationally well-known performers, the Head of the Programme brought out Trilok Gurtu, a percussion player and composer from Kashmir. He was one of the first Indian musicians who managed to break into the West with his ability to mix the music from his homeland with jazz and fusion. The solo performances of Trilok Gurtu are famous for being spectacular and inspiring and widening the audience's concept of drum playing and the world of rhythm as such.
In addition to that, summery Viljandi will also host the Swedish traditional music pioneer and legend Hedningarna who was the first in the world to mix Scandinavian traditional music with rock and electronic and acoustic instruments. Hedningarna has brought traditional music into the clubs and stadium stages and has appeared in different pop music charts. "Their modern sound language has inspired many other musicians," added Tarmo Noormaa.
The last time Hedningarna performed in Estonia was in 1997 and their fan base in Estonia has been growing ever since.
In addition to the performers mentioned already, performers of the festival include Snaarmaarwaar from Belgium, Saeid Shanbehzadeh from Iran, Chvenebureb from Georgia, Oreka Tx from the Basque County, Reveillons from Quebec, Cissokho System from Senegal, Auli from Latvia and Sergei Starostin's family band from Russia.
Estonian bands Abrahams Café, Legshaker, Nikns Suns, Triskele, VEM, Vägilased, Untsakad, RO:TORO, Zetod, Paabel, Knihv, Kukerpillid and several others will also give a concert.
Viljandi Folk Music Festival is organised by Estonian Traditional Music Center and the XIX festival carries the title "Rhythm and Pulse!".