As the final notes of Laulupidu ring out over the Song Festival Grounds in Tallinn, the echoes of ESTO 2025 linger in the hearts of those who took part. For Donna Mak, a Hong Kong-Chinese Australian member of the national Kooskõlas Choir, this summer’s cultural journey was more than a performance opportunity — it was a profound lesson in unity, resilience, and the quiet power of song.
What drew you to join an Estonian choir?
We wondered what first drew Donna to join an Estonian choir, especially without a personal or cultural connection. Was there a moment or experience that sparked your interest in Estonian music or community?
“I heard about Laulupidu while chatting with a colleague at a medical conference. Being a member of 2 choirs in Perth, I was already familiar with Arvo Pärt’s music and Estonia’s strong choral singing tradition. After reading about Laulupidu and the singing revolution I knew I needed experience it as a choir member rather than just being in the audience. I knew my colleague, who is not Estonian, had sung in Laulupidu in 2019 so I asked him for his contact person in Kooskõlas and signed up.”
“The ability to join weekly rehearsals via video conference and the warm welcome I received from each and every Kooskõlas member made me feel part of the community from day one.”
Donna didn’t just join the choir — she dove in headfirst. From catching the “redeye special” from Perth to Sydney for every national rehearsal (true dedication!) to squeezing in almost every ESTO 2025 tour, concert, and cultural event she could when in Estonia and Sweden. She fully embraced the adventure which included spontaneous folk dancing with Esmée in Raekoja Plats to the sounds of RÜÜT and experiencing her very first sauna — because sauna-ing is inevitable when you hang out with Estonians, it’s only a matter of time! 😄 Her passion, curiosity, and go-for-it spirit brought a spark to every part of the journey.
A cultural celebration beyond borders
Held every four years, ESTO (the Global Estonian Cultural Festival) is a gathering of Estonians and friends of Estonia from across the diaspora. ESTO 2025, which took place in Tallinn, Stockholm and Narva, featured concerts, exhibitions, panel discussions, film screenings, and plenty of singing — all building momentum toward Estonia’s national song and dance celebration, Laulupidu.
“I didn’t even know about ESTO 2025 when I first signed up for Laulupidu,” Donna admits. “But being part of it turned out to be a huge bonus — it opened my eyes to how deeply singing and dancing contribute to the strength and sustainability of a culture.”
This year’s ESTO drew participation from over 30 countries, offering both Estonians and non-Estonians the chance to engage with the country’s rich history, artistic expression, and forward-looking global community. For Donna, representing Kooskõlas at the Estonian Embassy reception in Stockholm was an especially proud moment.
“I felt very special being there,” she said. “Everyone was incredibly welcoming — even though I don’t have Estonian heritage, I felt completely included.”
Highlights from Narva and Tallinn
Among the many emotional and musical high points of her journey, Donna recalls singing in the courtyard of Narva Castle during ESTO’s Narva concert and joining the song torch procession, a symbolic relay that carries the spirit of the festival from town to town.
“To witness — and be part of — a culture that sang its way out of foreign occupation to freedom… it’s something to admire and aspire to.”
Her experience was also enriched by cultural tours, particularly in Tallinn:
“We visited places that aren’t usually open to the public, with guides who offered really interesting perspectives. I especially enjoyed the film The Paradox of Seabrook Farm and the Q&A with the director and people featured in the film — it gave me so much to think about.”
Laulupidu: A once-in-a-lifetime feeling
The trip culminated in Laulupidu, the Estonian Song Festival, which saw over 40,000 performers and 80,000 audience members gather for two days of rain, unity, and joy.
“How does that happen — days of rain and still everyone in high spirits?” Donna reflects. “Maybe it’s the power of music, song, and dance in a non-competitive context. The sense of unity, pride, and joy is unlike anything I’ve ever felt.”
“How does that happen — days of rain and still everyone in high spirits? … Maybe it’s the power of music, song, and dance in a non-competitive context. The sense of unity, pride, and joy is unlike anything I’ve ever felt.”
As someone new to Estonian culture, Donna was deeply moved by the festival’s emotional resonance and historical weight:
“Singing predates speech in both human evolution and individual development. It comes from primal parts of our brain and allows us to connect in ways speech cannot. To witness — and be part of — a culture that sang its way out of foreign occupation to freedom… it’s something to admire and aspire to.”
A clear message to future participants
When asked if she’d recommend the experience to others, Donna doesn’t hesitate:
“Yes, yes, yes! If you have the opportunity to participate in ESTO and/or Laulupidu, just do it — even if you don’t have Estonian roots. Music unites us all.”
Her advice for future participants in ESTO 2029 or Laulupidu 2028? Come with curiosity, openness, and a willingness to be transformed.
“You’ll leave with more than memories — you’ll carry the music, the stories, and the spirit of Estonia will stay in your heart forever.”
Elagu Eesti! — Long live Estonia!
“You’ll leave with more than memories — you’ll carry the music, the stories, and the spirit of Estonia will stay in your heart forever.”
Keen to learn more about the choir?
Contact: Kooskõlas Committee
Email: kooskolas[at]gmail.com
URL: https://www.facebook.com/groups/313519635746138/
