This year’s Viljandi Folk Music Festival will feature the legendary Ukrainian band Haydamaky and a special production by Paabel
XXXII Viljandi Folk Music Festival will welcome a special guest – Haydamaky, a leading band in Ukrainian folk rock. They first captured the hearts of festivalgoers in 2003. Now, due to the challenges their country faces, the band has become a cultural ambassador for Ukraine, keeping both tradition and the fighting spirit of their people alive through their music.
Haydamaky is more than a band – their music reflects key moments in Ukraine's history, and the members are actively involved in the democratic transformations and events taking place in Ukraine. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, three of the band's musicians have taken up arms to defend their homeland, while the others are involved in volunteer efforts and continue their concert activities to support their people both at home and abroad.
Tarmo Noormaa, the programme manager of the festival, highlights the band’s significant impact: “Haydamaky is a perfect example of how music can help keep a culture alive, even beyond its homeland. They have also influenced Estonian music, through Ruslan Trochynskyi, who has brought their legacy to Svjata Vatra."
Haydamaky’s music blends Ukrainian folk melodies and dynamic brass section with modern styles, including reggae and rock. The band has been on stage for 20 years and continues to surprise their fans. They have earned a prominent place in the European music scene and collaborated with international stars such as Apollo 440, Che Sudaka and Brother Culture, performed at many of the most famous festivals, and earned two European Golden Discs.
The theme of this year’s Viljandi Folk Music Festival “Off the ground!” carries a double meaning and brings attention to the peoples forced to flee their homes and live abroad. The head of the festival Ando Kiviberg confirms: “We are very excited to welcome Haydamaky back – a band that delivers an electrifying performance and is set to keep the Viljandi audience dancing non-stop!"
The festival theme also has another meaning – it’s an invitation to dance, and it is embodied by Kukerpillid, one of Estonia's most beloved and danceable bands
Kukerpillid, who have been active for over 50 years, were also present at the beginning of the Viljandi Folk Music Festival. Their vibrant fiddle playing and lively melodies have united several generations of music lovers. Their repertoire blends folk songs, bluegrass, rockabilly, and cajun rhythms, which have brought joy to countless parties, festivals and dancers. The current band line up includes Toomas Kõrvits (vocals, guitar), Ike Volkov (vocals, bass), Tiit Kõrvits (guitar, vocals), and Heiki Vahar (fiddle), who continue the tradition that started back in 1972.
Paabel will perform in Viljandi with a unique concert programme
The Viljandi Folk Music Festival is known for the concert programmes that have been crafted especially for the festival. As part of a special production, dedicated to the theme of this year's festival, the band Paabel will reunite for one night only. The group, featuring Sandra Sillamaa, Tanel Kadalipp, Arno Tamm, Lauri Kadalipp, Tõnu Tubli, and Jaan Jaago, will perform a full concert of brand-new music, inspired by the theme "Off the ground!".
Curly Strings, the favourite band of many Estonians, will delight the festival audience
Curly Strings draws inspiration from the band members’ own personal heritage in the current Estonian cultural space. Intense and playful ensemble work paired with beautiful melodies and a sincere presentation form the main basis of Curly Strings’ soundscape. The band currently consists of Eeva Talsi (fiddle, vocals), Villu Talsi (mandolin, vocals), Peeter Priks (guitar, vocals), and Taavet Niller (double bass, vocals).
XXXII Viljandi Folk Music Festival "Off the ground!" will take place from July 24–27 in the Viljandi Castle Hills and old town. Festival passes are available on the festival's website.
Haydamaky is more than a band – their music reflects key moments in Ukraine's history, and the members are actively involved in the democratic transformations and events taking place in Ukraine. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, three of the band's musicians have taken up arms to defend their homeland, while the others are involved in volunteer efforts and continue their concert activities to support their people both at home and abroad.
Tarmo Noormaa, the programme manager of the festival, highlights the band’s significant impact: “Haydamaky is a perfect example of how music can help keep a culture alive, even beyond its homeland. They have also influenced Estonian music, through Ruslan Trochynskyi, who has brought their legacy to Svjata Vatra."
Haydamaky’s music blends Ukrainian folk melodies and dynamic brass section with modern styles, including reggae and rock. The band has been on stage for 20 years and continues to surprise their fans. They have earned a prominent place in the European music scene and collaborated with international stars such as Apollo 440, Che Sudaka and Brother Culture, performed at many of the most famous festivals, and earned two European Golden Discs.
The theme of this year’s Viljandi Folk Music Festival “Off the ground!” carries a double meaning and brings attention to the peoples forced to flee their homes and live abroad. The head of the festival Ando Kiviberg confirms: “We are very excited to welcome Haydamaky back – a band that delivers an electrifying performance and is set to keep the Viljandi audience dancing non-stop!"
The festival theme also has another meaning – it’s an invitation to dance, and it is embodied by Kukerpillid, one of Estonia's most beloved and danceable bands
Kukerpillid, who have been active for over 50 years, were also present at the beginning of the Viljandi Folk Music Festival. Their vibrant fiddle playing and lively melodies have united several generations of music lovers. Their repertoire blends folk songs, bluegrass, rockabilly, and cajun rhythms, which have brought joy to countless parties, festivals and dancers. The current band line up includes Toomas Kõrvits (vocals, guitar), Ike Volkov (vocals, bass), Tiit Kõrvits (guitar, vocals), and Heiki Vahar (fiddle), who continue the tradition that started back in 1972.
Paabel will perform in Viljandi with a unique concert programme
The Viljandi Folk Music Festival is known for the concert programmes that have been crafted especially for the festival. As part of a special production, dedicated to the theme of this year's festival, the band Paabel will reunite for one night only. The group, featuring Sandra Sillamaa, Tanel Kadalipp, Arno Tamm, Lauri Kadalipp, Tõnu Tubli, and Jaan Jaago, will perform a full concert of brand-new music, inspired by the theme "Off the ground!".
Curly Strings, the favourite band of many Estonians, will delight the festival audience
Curly Strings draws inspiration from the band members’ own personal heritage in the current Estonian cultural space. Intense and playful ensemble work paired with beautiful melodies and a sincere presentation form the main basis of Curly Strings’ soundscape. The band currently consists of Eeva Talsi (fiddle, vocals), Villu Talsi (mandolin, vocals), Peeter Priks (guitar, vocals), and Taavet Niller (double bass, vocals).
XXXII Viljandi Folk Music Festival "Off the ground!" will take place from July 24–27 in the Viljandi Castle Hills and old town. Festival passes are available on the festival's website.