Accompanied by Song – Olaf Kopvillem 100 – A Conference and Musical Program Celebrating Estonian Diaspora Musical Heritage
VEMU is hosting an upcoming conference and music program dedicated to Estonian diaspora music.
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.
On September 19, we opened an exhibition about Olaf Kopvillem at Tartu College; it was curated by his granddaughter, Keila Kopvillem, who also delivered the Dr. Vello Soots Memorial Lecture on the subject.This milestone offers an excellent opportunity to explore the musical heritage of the Estonian diaspora in a broader context. Consequently, the celebrations will continue on November 6–7 with events that offer both educational and entertaining experiences. 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. The conference dates are: Friday, November 6th, 11 – 4 pm & Saturday, November 7th, 11 – 4 pm / With concerts at 7 PM each evening
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
Experience Estonian music across generations and genres with artists from Estonia, Canada and Australia, celebrating Olaf Kopvillem’s legacy with performances by Vaiko Eplik, Katariina Tirmaste, Olev Muska, Erik Laar and Tiiu Strutt! (Read more /Get 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)
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)
The events are supported by the Estonian Foundation of Canada, the Estonian Central Council in Canada, the Embassy of Estonia in Ottawa, the Integration Foundation, the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research, and the Government of Canada—Thank you for your support!