Why classical music fans love Estonia

Despite its small size, Estonia has given the world an exceptionally large number of talented composers, musicians, and conductors.

The classical music scene is thriving in Estonia!

During a long weekend in Estonia, you can attend a festival or concert and still have time to enjoy the sounds of nature outside of the city.

Music has always played an important role in Estonians' cultural identity.

Estonia is often called the Singing Nation. After all, it makes sense: Estonian national identity was reborn as local folk songs were recorded, and the first Song Celebrations were organized in the late 19th century. Estonia as a nation of song gained new traction during the Singing Revolution of the 1980s when masses gathered at the Song Festival Grounds in Tallinn to demand the restoration of national independence through singing patriotic songs. Without music, Estonia as we know it probably would not exist.

Source: Kaarel Mikkin, Toolbox

Experience Estonia's Song & Dance Celebration

First held in 1869, this massive cultural event has become an important expression of Estonian identity.

Choral music as a cultural cornerstone

Choral music is deeply intertwined with Estonian culture and history. The Song and Dance Celebration is the ultimate place to hear Estonian folk choirs, but Estonia also has its share of professional choirs. The most internationally renowned music collective is the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, founded in 1981 by conductor Tõnu Kaljuste. They won Grammy Awards in 2007 and 2014 for Best Choral Performance.

The Estonian National Male Choir has been operating for over 75 years. They won a Grammy in 2004 for Best Choral Performance for their recording of Sibelius' cantatas, a cooperative project with conductor Paavo Järvi, the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, and the Estonian girls' choir Ellerhein.

Women sing traditional music during Estonia's song festival

Source: Jaanus Ree

World-renowned talent

Arvo Pärt

The most widely recognized name in Estonian classical music is Arvo Pärt, who has been the world's most-performed living composer since 2011 or the second most, after John Williams. His oeuvre includes orchestral music, four symphonies, choral music, chamber music, organ works, and more. The majority of these are based on liturgical or other sacred texts.

On 11 September 2025, composer Arvo Pärt will celebrate his 90th birthday. Events will be held in Estonia and around the world to celebrate the momentous occasion.

The Järvi family

Estonia's most celebrated musical family features three renowned conductors: Neeme Järvi and his sons Paavo and Kristjan. Their sister, Maarika, also inherited the musical gene and is an accomplished flautist.

Neeme emigrated from the Soviet Union in 1980, just ahead of Arvo Pärt, and has become a globally recognized conductor, working with some of the world's most prestigious orchestras. Paavo founded the Estonian Festival Orchestra, and Kristjan is known for his innovative conducting style and for leading the Baltic Sea Philharmonic. The family nurtures new talent and champions Estonian classical music through the Järvi Academy and Pärnu Music Festival.

Arvo Pärt, famous Estonian composer of classical music

Source: Kaupo Kikkas, Arvo Pärt Center

Man plays the piano in a concert hall in Estonia

Source: Rasmus Kooskora / Eesti Muusika- ja Teatriakadeemia

Classical music comes alive in Estonia's concert halls.

The national concert organization Eesti Kontsert organizes nearly 1,300 concerts and several music festivals annually.

One-of-a-kind venues

Classical music events are held in concert and opera halls, open-air courtyards, and even in the wilds of nature.

Designed by A. Lindgren and W. Lönn and completed in 1913, the art nouveau/classicist Estonia theatre and opera house was the largest building of its

Kaupo Kalda, Visit Tallinna meediapank

Source: Kaupo Kalda, Visit Tallinna meediapank

The work of Arvo Pärt has significantly changed our understanding of music and largely influenced the music of the second half of the 20th century aro

Rene Jakobson

Source: Rene Jakobson

Pärnu kontserdimaja

Source: Pärnu kontserdimaja

Jõhvi Kontserdimaja

Source: Jõhvi Kontserdimaja

Teater Vanemuine (Heikki Leis)

Source: Teater Vanemuine (Heikki Leis)

Estonian National Opera - opera house

Architecture and history

Designed by A. Lindgren and W. Lönn and completed in 1913, the art nouveau/classicist Estonia theatre and opera house was the largest building of its...

Outstanding classical music festivals

Thanks to Estonia's love of music, festivals and event series take place all over the country all year round.

Every classical music lover should check out Estonian Music Days, which have been held annually since 1979. The festival has been one of the country's most important, focusing on the work of contemporary Estonian composers for over 40 years. Concerts are held at the Arvo Pärt Centre and in different venues around Tallinn and Tartu.

The BBC Music Magazine also included the Haapsalu Early Music Festival and the Pärnu Music Festival as two of Europe's top classical music festivals in 2024.