As we count down the few remaining days to Laulupidu 2025, 5-6 July — suitcases half-packed, vowels lovingly fine-tuned — the Melbourne Estonian women’s choir is stepping out with a new name and a fresh look.
The choir conductor, Hilja Toom, recently shared the story of the name’s evolution — and we wanted to pass it along as she told it to us and how it’s embedded in our memories. Read below.
From MEÜ “Kodu” Naiskoor to Kodu Kaja
We began back in the 1950s as the Melbourne’i Eesti Ühing ”Kodu” Naiskoor (Melbourne Estonian Society “Kodu” Women’s Choir) — a name rich with history, meaning… but, let’s be honest, a bit of a mouthful.
When we were invited to perform at Laulupidu, we realised it was time for a name that better reflected who we are today. Something simpler, something more memorable. A name that would honour our roots, but also sing a little more smoothly — especially outside Estonian circles, where the “Kodu” part of our name often confused audiences.
And so, Kodu Kaja was born — Echoes of Home.
The name still connects us to the Melbourne Estonian Society “Kodu”, where our story began. But it also expresses what we do now: when we sing in Australia, our voices carry the memory of Estonia. When we sing elsewhere, we bring our Australian home with us. In every direction, we are Kodu Kaja.
Photos from the private collection of Hilja Toom.
A logo that speaks volumes
A new name called for a fresh look — and our logo, designed by Alexander Provan (son of our soprano Ingrid Provan), captures the spirit of the choir beautifully. Working from Sydney with our logo committee, Alex created a design that says a lot with just a few elements.
The colours — blue, black and white — honour the Estonian flag. The waves hint at the Baltic Sea that connects us to where we come from. And perched at the top, flying high and free, is Estonia’s national bird — the barn swallow.
It’s a logo we’re honoured to wear, full of meaning and memory.
Concert dress: Tradition meets Melbourne chic
Our new concert dress is another beautiful blend of past and present.
- The black base of the dress is both a reference to Estonian folk costume and a cheeky wink to Melbourne’s famously dark fashion palette.
- Each singer wears her own national costume belt, adding a personal touch that tells her story.
- The hip apron is patterned with Australian flora — a subtle, beautiful nod to the land we sing from.
- And on our heads, we wear pärjad (headdress) made from eucalyptus flowers and leaves — a fragrant symbol of home, beauty and belonging.
From fabric samples to final fittings, this transformation was driven by the care and creativity of our choir members. It truly was a labour of love.
Look out for our new tees!
We’re also sporting new black t-shirts featuring our logo, which we’ll be wearing proudly at rehearsals in Estonia. So if you spot a cheerful group in matching tees — full of song and maybe a little laughter — come say tere! We’d love to meet you.
Whether in concert dress or casual black, we sing with joy, connection and pride.
Wherever we go, we carry the echoes of home.
See you at Laulupidu very soon!
Thank you!
Photos and details were shared with us by our wonderful conductor Hilja Toom, and reviewed by Hilja and Sirje Kiviväli. A big thank you to you!
Read also this article: The road to Tallinn – notes from choir conductor Hilja Toom
