Estonian Folk Orchestra tours in Sweden

Estonian Folk Orchestra (EFO) that is formed of traditional music students of the Univesity of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy and Estonian Music and Theatre Academy have travelled to Sweden for a week to tour in Stockholm and Umeå and to record album material.

Their first performance is on 18^th February on board of the Baltic Queen ferry.

On 19^th February EFO is the headliner of a concert in Musikaliska Hall, organised by the Estonian Embassy in Sweden to celebrate the 95^th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia. After the festive concert EFO moves on to the stage of the well-known world and traditional music club Stallet. Alongside with EFO other performers such as VEM, Gjangsta, Midrid, Juhan Uppin, Leanne Barbo and Kadri Lepasson contribute too.

The founder and tutor of EFO, Tuulikki Bartosik said that the Estonian traditional music showcase on 19^th February is the best opportunity for young musicians to show their skills and collect contacts. “The embassy has invited many Swedish music industry people and journalists,” says Bartosik adding that the gig in Stallet is an important event for the Estonian community in Sweden.

Later during the week the orchestra goes to Atlantis Gramophone Studio with Bartosik and their Swedish co-partner and tutor Jonas Knutsson to record their album that is released in autumn 2013. The studio has seen performers such as ABBA, Roxette, Elvis Costello, The Cardigans, Agnetha Fältskog, Quincy Jones and Jan Johansson recording their albums. Project manager Marika Goldman says that EFO’s album tour is planned with Eesti Kontsert.

The tour finishes in Umefolk festival on 22^nd to 24^th February. This is the second time when Estonian folk music is heard at Umefolk. EFO also plays with other 200 musicians in a unique folk orchestra that opens the festival.

The tour is supported by Estonian Endowment Fund, Estonian Culture Society in Stockholm (Eesti Kultuuri Koondis Stockholmis), Tallink and The Embassy of Estonia in Sweden.

More information:
Marika Goldman
UT Viljandi Culture Academy
Phone: +372 5309 6150
E-mail: marika.goldman@kultuur.edu.ee