Veljo Tormis’s song cycle Songs of Estonian Men will be premiered in Tallinn Kultuurikatel on June 7 at 7 pm, within the Nargen Festival. Songs of Estonian Men is produced in collaboration of Nargen Opera and Von Krahl Theatre. Musical director of the production is Tõnu Kaljuste, director Peeter Jalakas, technical director Enar Tarmo and costume designer Reet Aus.
Tormis’s Songs of Estonian Men is based on the newer folk songs and was composed 1964–1965. All 10 songs from the cycle will be performed by different soloist, supported by choir of 20 men. Men’s songs are humorous, mocking, and even obscene at times showing us things that men encounter on their way to propose to a woman, sailing on the sea or drinking in a tavern. The production intensifies the words with highs and depths, oil and water, force and might.
Besides Songs of Estonian Men, Tormis’s „Curse Upon Iron”, „Song of a Level Land” and „The Last Ship” will also performed in Kultuurikatel.
On the stage will be Mati Turi, Rainer Vilu, Taavi Eelmaa, Mart Koldits, Erki Laur, Juhan Ulfsak, Tõnu Aav, Arno Tamm, Vahur Soonberg, Celia Roose, Riina Maidre and the Nargen Opera Choir.
Songs of Estonian Men performances are on June 9–12, 14-16, 18–20 at 7 pm, in Kultuurikatel. Previously Tormis’s Estonian Ballads and Songs of Estonian Women have been performed.
Agnes Toomla