Respect and gratitude to bearers of Estonian identity around the world
Minister of Culture Heidy Purgpresents letters of appreciation to choir and dance leaders of international ensembles at the Song and Dance Celebration
The XXVIII Song and XXI Dance Celebration Iseoma, held from 3–6 July 2025 at the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds, Kalev Stadium, and Freedom Square, brought together a total of 41,192 performers. The grand event also featured many groups from outside Estonia: 31 expatriate Estonian choirs and 37 dance troupes took part. In addition, 14 guest ensembles – 10 choirs and 4 orchestras – performed at the Song Celebration.
At a formal reception held on 7 July at the Estonian Statehood House on Toompea, all leaders of the international ensembles were presented with letters of appreciation by the Minister of Culture, Heidy Purga. In her speech, the minister emphasised that Estonians abroad and friends of Estonia are both preservers and carriers of Estonian identity as well as the finest cultural ambassadors of Estonia around the world. “The paths of many Estonians have led them far from their homeland, yet at the heart of preserving and developing global Estonianness lies our powerful choral and dance culture, which remains both profound and vibrant. Thank you for helping to sustain and protect it!” the Minister said, expressing her heartfelt thanks to all performers and organisers.
The reception was also attended by the Song Celebration’s Artistic Director Heli Jürgenson and the Artistic Director of the Dance Celebration Helena-Mariana Reimann, who greeted the guests. The participants responded with a lengthy round of applause to show their appreciation for the organisers.
Kadri Linnas, Adviser on Global Estonian Affairs, conveyed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ gratitude. Representing the international ensembles, conductor Jaan Seim of the Stockholm Estonian Mixed Choir and the Stockholm Estonian Women’s Choir gave a speech to the guests. The event also featured a piano performance by Ingmar Poll, a student at the Tallinn College of Music and Ballet, who played works by Estonian composers Mart Saar and Ester Mägi.
The 2025 Song and Dance Celebration welcomed choirs and dance troupes from 18 different countries – Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, Canada, the United States, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Belgium, France, Austria, Australia, the Netherlands, Russia, Luxembourg, and Japan – with a total of 1,545 participants.
A heartfelt thank you to all international ensembles for keeping Estonian culture alive! Your contribution helps our national celebrations to endure, gives us strength and spirit to preserve Estonian cultural identity, and binds us together across time.
Anne-Ly Reimaa
Adviser, Department of Cultural Diversity
Ministry of Culture
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