About this Event
Music has played a central role in preserving Estonian identity, language, and culture within the diaspora. It is therefore only natural that music also features prominently in the activities of VEMU.
The two-day conference will feature researchers, promoters, and performers of Estonian diaspora music from Estonia, Australia, and Canada.
Topics range from various aspects of Estonian diaspora music throughout history to the present day. In addition to academic presentations, the conference program places significant emphasis on sharing memories and discussing future plans.
The working language of the conference is English; participation is free with registration. Both conference days will be livestreamed, excluding evening concerts, on .
The conference dates are: Friday, November 6th - 11 - 4 pm & Saturday, November 7th - 11 - 4 pm
Conference Program:
Friday, November 6
11:00-13:00 Session 1
Piret Noorhani (VEMU), Opening Remarks
Maarja Merivoo-Parro (Vabamu), Exploring the Landscape of Estonian Refugee Pop
Ahto Külvet (Psühhoteek), Vinyl Saves! Psühhoteek Record Shop: 10 Years of Discovering Vinyl and Changing the World
Kadri Tüür (University of Toronto), Katherine Zubovich (University of Buffalo), Toxic Soundscapes: Punk Music as Environmental Protest from Virumaa to Love Canal
13:00-14:00 Lunch
14:00-16:00 Session 2
Discussion panel Diaspora Estonian Music – Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow: Sebastian Buccioni, Vaiko Eplik, Erik Laar, Maarja Merivoo-Parro. Moderated by Vincent Teetsov
Olev Muska's CD album launch
19:00 Olaf Kopvillem 100: Accompanied by Song — Live in Concert (Tickets $15-$30 here)
Saturday, November 7
11:00-13:00 Session 3
Piret Noorhani, Lost, Found and Heard Again: Estonian Diaspora Music Heritage at VEMU
Katariina Tirmaste, Sneak Peek at the VEMU Cassettes
Roland Viilukas, Mirell Jakobson, A Musical Homecoming: Estonian Choral Music from Abroad
Interview with Olaf Kopvillem, conducted by Roman Toi (1990)
13:00-14:00 Lunch
14:00-16:00 Session 4
Keila Kopvillem (VEMU), Olaf Kopvillem: How We Lived
Vaiko Eplik, Musical Influences and Inspirations for Olaf Kopvillem's Songs
Interview with Aarne Tork, conducted by Maarja Merivoo-Parro
Interview with Eerik Purje, conducted by Maarja Merivoo-Parro
19:00 An evening of music dedicated to the musical legacy of Olaf and Peeter Kopvillem, with performances by family members and friends. (free event)
Event venue & nearby stays
Tartu College Event Space, 310 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Canada
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.