There will be an Advent Concert presented by the Christies Beach Combined Churches choir called “Jubilate Singers” on Sunday 27th November at 3.00 PM at St Stephen’s Lutheran Church, Wakefield Street, Adelaide followed by coffee afterwards.
Your attendance is most welcome
Hillar Semenov
KÜLLIKI POOLE, MEIE KODU
In the plans were monthly presentations by various members of new techniques
which they were willing to share with the others. Helle-Mall Risti gained a
steady following of disciples willing to knit the cobweb-like Haapsalu sallid.
It is amazing that so many persevered so devotedly and managed a collection of
small samples which may be used in a non-traditional, creative, manner.
Helle-Mall, herself, has been assiduously knitting both small samples and
customary shawls and scarves for exhibition and sale at our Christmas Market,
the “Jõululaat”.
AALE KASK-ONG, MEIE KODU
17. septembril Bankstowni spordiväljakule jõudsid eestlaskonda esindama nii
uued eestlased kui siin sündinud. Eesti meeskonna viis kokku üks mees – Juho
Looveer.
How did you get involved in organising the Estonian team for the
Baltic Games?
Juho Looveer: I have been involved in Volleyball in Sydney for over 40 years,
and am well known by Latvians and Lithuanians who play Volleyball.
In 2010, a Latvian friend told me that Baltic games were on and said that
Estonians had no teams; he asked if I was interested in organising some teams. I
said Yes.
I did ask Sydney Eesti Selts if there was still a Sydney Eesti Spordi Klubi
(SESK) in existence – that’s where I started playing in 1968; they said no, and
no-one from Selts Committee had time to organise anything for sports, so I could
go ahead.
Adelaide has had a long break from Estonian activities in North Adelaide. Our winters are cold and days are short. The Southern Hemisphere winter has finally come to an end and as the Spring bulbs come into bloom, the friendly Estonians are starting to venture out of hibernation.
Well this evening was planned months in advance. History will show that Ms Lea Rebane, the new Adelaide Eesti Selts President, secured a signature as one of her first tasks back in April during the Baltic Olympics and this sensational evening has finally raised the roof at Kalev on Jeffcott here in North Adelaide. Well done Lea!
Many areas in Adelaide such as Klemzig and Hahndorf have a close association with a Bavarian heritage. With this in mind, we took the opportunity to sign a fabulous band to entertain us. It only seemed natural for Thomas Sarapuu and his team to create this new phenomena, Lea secured the deal with the Adelaide Village Band and the OktooberEST Night was born. The Village Band has their roots in the Latvian community, established over 40 years ago and many Pub Night regulars have had an opportunity to see them. I was expecting a brass band of six to eight players. Well when over 30 instruments and individuals all dressed for the part arrived with an unprecedented enthusiasm, we knew that we were certainly in for something special.
The performance was a treat. The main hall echoed during the first bracket with traditional Baltic tunes. Following a brief intermission, they performed a modern bracket of spectacular ‘Oompah’ style music. Even Thomas could not resist the urge to grace the dance floor. Thank you team; we are looking forward to making this another annual feature in the Esto Pub Night calendar.
The crowd at Esto Pub Night continues to break records for our small community. The support shown by various groups has certainly been heart warming. The Latvian community has always been fantastic in their support and attendance. The Uekele group were present in amazing numbers and secured a date in early February for the next Hawaiian Esto Pub Night. It was also good to see ex-Adelaide Estonians come back and embrace the enthusiasm of the event. Tiffany Nurk returned to Adelaide and came along to support the evening with her partner and father. She loved the food and entertainment and described the experience as if being around her wonderful grand parents again. Raul Pottisepp is an Estonian student legend here in Adelaide. Two years ago he caught a tram and two buses to get to the Esto Pub night after reading something about it on the eesti.org.au website. That tradition has certainly continued. It was wonderful to meet Rallike who has settled here from Tallinn, along with several other young Estonian travellers and guests who made the effort to help support their cousins here in Adelaide.
Thomas Sarapuu and his team behind the bar provided the usual stunning range of local wines and beers, supplemented by the Estonian selection which was particularly highlighted on this occasion with the imported Saku Kuld. Thank you Aki, Alex, Amy, Kristina, Matt and Erika for your support. The entertainment and refreshments were again supplemented by an unprecedented dinner where Chef Greggory was in charge. The Mulgimaa kapsas and Saaremaa kartul (sauerkraut & mash) alongside the perfectly prepared Bratwurst and Polish sausage was a treat. Where are you getting these recepies from? Thank you Heather, Lea, Allan, Kustas, Peter, Oxana and others for the fantastic kitchen support. Yes Kustas, we did see the secret ingredient that went into the Haapsalu Sinep (mustard)!
So where does the Esto Pub Night go from here? It has been rumoured that with various information tools these days, news of our evenings is spreading faster than ever. Everyone is on Facebook, we all have smart phones, iCloud is bouncing our information everywhere, not to mention the iPads, blogs and international mailing eNews lists. Whatever happened to newspapers? Well one of the most talented Estonian rahvamuusika or traditional folk groups is touring Australia. Sada is a four piece ensemble that will perform a superb afternoon concert at Estonian Hall. We have managed to secure their final Australian concert here in Adelaide at 4pm on Saturday 26 of November. Immediately following their concert, we are going to treat the band to a special farewell event in the form of an Esto Pub Night. Come and join us to thank them for their sensational tour or just come and listen to their talents and traditional music, featuring traditional instruments.
So remember our motto – Just drop in for ten minutes or stay for the evening – no booking or formal arrangements are required. You will meet friendly Estonians and enjoy a great meal, sample fantastic wines, Estonian Vodka, Saku Kuld and Cider. Drop in after being out elsewhere or come for the evening. We will have some top music videos for you to enjoy also. This will be the Esto Pub Night where you will meet all of your old friends!
More details can be seen at www.estopubnight.com, search for us on Facebook, email us at kalevonjeffcott@gmail.com or see details on your favourite Australian Estonian website or newspaper.
‘The OktooberEST Night’, Esto Pub Night 19 – and Estonian folk band ‘SADA’ for Esto Pub Night 20! Adelaide has had a long break from Estonian activities in North Adelaide. Our winters are cold and days are short. The Southern Hemisphere winter has finally come to an end and as the Spring bulbs come into bloom, the friendly Estonians are starting to venture out of hibernation.
Richard Semenov
According to the Collins Dictionary, a ‘pilgrimage’ is a ‘journey to a shrine or other sacred place. It fits well then to say that a few months ago I made another pilgrimage to Eesti.
What I hadn’t realised was that my time there coincided with the 20th anniversary of Estonia’s most recent independence. My goodness, has it already been 20 years? It must be time for a celebration. And celebrate they did – in grand style.
I was fortunate to receive an invitation to attend President Ilves’ rose garden reception. This celebration was attended by the country’s finest in the many arts, alongside the republic’s senior officials and dignitaries. As I walked through the gates chatting to media magnate Raul Rebane and Estonia-Australia Society representative Imre Sooäärega, I already felt humbled to be attending this significant event. I could only equate our entrance into the rose garden with what it must feel like to ‘walk a red carpet’ somewhere, where one is handed a glass of chilled wine from a silver tray and the paparazzi click away fervently.
The rose garden itself was breathtakingly beautiful. Steps from the stone terrace led to a far-reaching garden with a long rectangular pond as its centre-piece. The water feature was surrounded by blossoming roses in hues of reds and pinks. Numerous marquees had been strategically placed on the surrounding lawns, alongside tall round tables draped in white. Impeccably mannered waiters glided through the gathering, topping up glasses here and there. The guests seemed to move in slow circles around the water, progressing from one group to the next, clinking glasses joyfully with ‘Head aastapäeva!’
The circles of movement drew still when President Ilves made his way to the stage. His speech did not focus on the past atrocities but rather, the acknowledgement of the present and the hope of the future. He spoke of Estonia’s attributes and positives, to nodding heads everywhere. ‘Siin maal ei ole midagi viriseda!’ (There is nothing to whinge about here), he robustly stated and ended by raising his glass to crowd, ‘Elagu Eesti!’ (Long live Estonia) The crowd responded in jubilation.
We then ventured into the huge marquees and filled our plates with the finest of foods. The selection was too abundant to mention. International pop star, ‘Kerli’ took to the stage and fountains rose up from the pool. The circles surrounding it began to move once again. President Ilves was mesmerized by Kerli’s performance of her song dedicated to her parents, ‘Sa kuldseks jää’. An undeniably moving composition which she performed with great emotion. Through my progression in the circles, I was lucky to meet the President himself for a small exchange and later his lovely wife, Evelin. I think I met most of Estonia’s ministers which was enough to make me dizzy with dignitaries. I particularly enjoyed speaking with the Prime Minister Andrus Ansip who was extremely delightful, the Minister for Defence Mart Laar and the Foreign Minister Urmas Paet.
Prominent members of Estonia’s arts worlds were also present. This really was the ‘who’s who’ of Estonian culture. I relished the opportunity of speaking with Kerli after her performance. She couldn’t have been a more sincere individual.
One interaction that was an incredible honour was speaking with the Arvo Pärt. I was in total awe. To add to my delight, he was the most warm-hearted man.
This was one of those evenings where one could relate to the Eliza’s character in ‘My Fair Lady’ when she sang, ‘I could have danced all night’. However there was more to come.
The following evening, a concert had been organised in Tallinn’s famous ‘Laulu Väljak’ for the 20 year celebrations, aptly named ‘Song of Freedom’. Jaanus Rohumaa, programme manager with the Tallinn 2011 foundation and the man behind ‘Song of Freedom’ stated, ’20 years ago our parents and our grandparents stood up and said – Now we take the reins again, because that’s the way it should be. And there were countries back then who were unafraid to support us and unafraid to recognise the restoration of our independence. We know what freedom is now, so we’re saying thank you for that – a generation that’s grown up in a free country’.
Chief organiser of the concert, Helen Sildna, explained further on the content of the show, ‘This year we asked foreign artists to join us in marking this special day, all of them like-minded in their own way. Estonia has long had a place in their hearts and minds, and freedom is something they all hold in very high regard’.
Both Jaanus and Helen agreed that the headline act at ‘Song of Freedom’ was the Estonian people in the audience, representing the most important aspect of the event simply by attending. Artists who shared their stories, songs, thoughts and wishes included Justament, Riho Sibul, Mari Kalkun, Dagö, Vaiko Eplik, Jaak Johanson, Malcolm Lincoln, Iiris, Chalice and Ewert & the Two Dragons. To my surprise and delight, even Sinead O’Connor honoured us with a performance.
Sami revolutionary Mari Boine came to entertain from Norway and much-loved Finnish artist Kimmo Pohjonen, who brought greetings from Tallinn’s sister Capital of Culture, Turku. Kimmo took to the stage not only with his trademark accordion but also with Finnish pro wrestlers and an orchestra. One of the most successful pop/rock bands in Latvia, ‘Brainstorm’ performed and of course Estonia’s favourite daughter and international singing sensation, Kerli.
I have been to numerous concerts in Australia but never have I experienced anything like this. The elation and energy of the audience was something only to be experienced to be believed. A sea of blue, black and white waved through the mass and cheers escalated when President Ilves and Tallinn Mayor Edgar Savisaar gave their addresses. One could feel without doubt the optimism and gratitude of freedom
‘I don’t doubt that all of the musicians taking part in ‘Song of Freedom’ are at their freest when they’re expressing and performing their thoughts and feelings in song,’ said Chalice, a.k.a. Jarek Kasar. ‘Freedom is having the opportunity to do that; true freedom is being able to enjoy it.’
Whilst walking through the crowd, bites of friendly conversations lit up everywhere. You knew that you shared the soul of the people and understood what was occurring.
Elagu Eesti!
LEA REBANE
Dear friends,
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Alternatively, if you would like to subscribe to the hard copy in your postbox, the cost is $99.00 for Australia; $125.00 for Europe, USA and Canada.
More information can be found at: mk.eestiselts.org
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The SADA ensemble consists of folk musicians Pille Bergmann, Marju Varblane, Ruth Kuhi and Mati Viiul (concert tour project manager).Their repertoire includes traditional folktunes as well as more current Estonian composers.
The repertoire has been selected so as to introduce the audience to various folk instruments. A few of these that the ensemble will bring to Australia are: a half-tone lyre, small six string lyre, violin, bowed harp, bagpipe, jew’s harp, diatonic accordion, triangle plus others.
Listed below are all SADA concert dates:
KiNO! at Sydney Eesti Maja
The Estonian Film Festival Australia (EFFA) and Sydney Eesti Selts (SES) are proud to present….
“Last Friday of the Month” KiNO! @ Sydney Eesti Maja, on Friday, the 25th of November!
On the program this month:
——————————————————————————————–
18:30 – 19:00
‘Tulnukas’ (Alien) – (M) 2006
A short film written and directed by Rasmus Merivoo
***STRONG LANGUAGE WARNING, SOME NUDITY AND VIOLENCE ***
What happens when the leader of a gang is struck on the head by a shovel and wakes up to reality?
Set in the 1990’s, Tulnukas is a black comedy about a gang of ‘põmmpea’ (red-necks) who cruise for trouble in bad tracksuits and dodgy cars while chomping down burgers and picking fights with headbangers and…each other.
Whilst the language is definitely not for the faint hearted, Tulnukas is an insight into a sub-class of Estonia that Estonian society tried/is trying to forget.
Staring most of the rat-pack of contemporary Estonian cinema and stage, this short film still manages to hold a story line and deliver a message.
If you like ‘Swift n Shift’ on SBS T.V., this could be right up your alley.
Starring: Märt Avandi, Ott Sepp
——————————————————————————————–
19:00 – 19:30
Intermission where you can grab some finger food and a drink from the bar
——————————————————————————————–
19:30 – 21:00
‘Kinnunen’ – (M) 2007
A feature film by Andri Lupp
Yet another Finn has fallen off a ship in the port of Tallinn. He has come to Estonia to find a proper wife.
‘Kinnunen’ is a comedy about Juha Kinnunen and the teacher Õie Kannike, who, as chance or fate would have it, start to teach each other.
Kinnunen is not an ordinary man. He is a Finnish man.
Õie is not an ordinary woman. She is an Estonian woman.
It is difficult to find a common language. Because one is a woman and the other is a man.
Winner of ‘Cottbus Discovery Award’ 2008
Starring: Sesa Lehto (Finland), Maria Peterson
——————————————————————————————–
And remember: ALL FILMS HAVE ENGLISH SUB-TITLES!!!
EVERYBODY is invited – bring a friend, even if they aren’t Estonian!
Doors open from 6pm.
Come see both films OR arrive later to see the feature film.
$7 – SES members (please display membership card at the door)
$10 – non-SES members
**Join SES on the night for $40 and pay $7 for all Kino nights!**
Remember to keep your door ticket as one lucky viewer will win free entry for next months KINO night!!!
Whether its for one film or both your donation towards cultural activities of SES is appreciated.
Finger food and bar service will be available on the night.
All proceeds from the door go towards KINO @ Eesti Maja and the 2012 Estonian Film Festival Australia.
Join the Facebook Page:
Come and taste Estonian food in the beautiful gardens of Government House, Sunday 13 November 11am – 4pm
Estonia will be represented by Est-crew at the WA Consular Corps Food Festival
Free entry to the gardens
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) invites everybody, regardless of age, to participate in the competition: “My life in my new home country”. All real life stories, research and interviews about the lives of Estonians outside Estonia and the lives of foreigners in Estonia are welcome. The goal of the competition is to collect and preserve the real life stories of people who have fled Estonia and the stories of immigrants who have moved to Estonia from other cultures. The deadline for submitting the works is 10th November 2011.
Read the full competion entry requirements and rules.
We would appriciate if you could disseminate the information to everybody who might be interested.
Best regards,
Marge Sassi
International Organization for Migration (IOM)
***
Rahvusvaheline Migratsiooniorganisatsioon (IOM) kutsub üles kõiki sõltumata vanusest osalema võistlusel „Elust uuel kodumaal“. Oodatud on tõsielulised lood, uurimustööd ja intervjuud eestimaalaste elust väljaspool Eestit või siis elust Eestis kui uuel kodumaal. Konkursi eesmärgiks on jäädvustada Eestist põgenenud inimeste tõestisündinud lood ning teistest kultuuridest pärit inimeste teekond Eestisse. Lood ja uurimustööd on oodatud 10. novembrini 2011.
Oleksime tänulikud, kui lisatud infot võimalikele huvilistele edastaksite.
Lugupidamisega,
Marge Sassi
IOM Tallinn
Jõe 9/Ahtri 12
10151 Tallinn
projekti PAREM koordinaator
So where does the Esto Pub Night go from here? It has been rumoured that with various information tools these days, news of our evenings is spreading faster than ever. Everyone is on Facebook, we all have smart phones, iCloud is bouncing our information everywhere, not to mention the iPads, blogs and international mailing eNews lists. Whatever happened to newspapers? Well one of the most talented Estonian rahvamuusika or traditional folk groups is touring Australia. Sada is a four piece ensemble that will perform a superb afternoon masterpiece at the Estonian Concert Hall here in Adelaide.
Mati Viiul has recently put this group together from the best artists from throughout Estonia, their traditional skills are phenomenal. Sirje and her gang in Melbourne have done the hard work and the rest of Australia is waiting. There is a chance to hear a wide range of traditional Estonian folk instruments. The band intends to travel with several ‘Kannels’ or kantele’s the traditional plucked string instrument, the hiiukannel or bowed harp, toropill (Bagpipe), parmupillid (Jewish Harp) and many more.
Their repertoire includes many tradition Estonian folk tunes well known to many in our community and also more recent works by composers such as Pårt, Eller, Tobias and Låtte. This is a unique opportunity to hear and see many demonstrations of a fabulous part of our music heritage.
Their performance has been booked in for Adelaide on Saturday November the 26th. It will take the format of a mid afternoon traditional concert followed by more informal Esto Pub Night. You will have the opportunity to hear the best of their music and then be able to chat with them in a relaxed atmosphere.
We have managed to secure their final Australian concert here in Adelaide at 4pm on Saturday 26 of November. Immediately following their concert, we are going to treat the band to a special farewell event in the form of an Esto Pub Night. Come and join us to thank them for their sensational tour or just come and listen to their talents and traditional music, featuring traditional instruments.
So remember our motto – Just drop in for ten minutes or stay for the evening – no booking or formal arrangements are required. You will meet friendly Estonians and enjoy a great meal, sample fantastic wines, Estonian Vodka, Saku Kuld and Cider. Drop in after being out elsewhere or come for the evening. We will have some top music videos for you to enjoy also. This will be the Esto Pub Night where you will meet all of your old friends!
More details can be seen at www.estopubnight.com, search for us on Facebook, email us at kalevonjeffcott@gmail.com or see details on your favourite Australian Estonian website or newspaper.
Richard Semenov
Adelaide Estonian Society Naisring event -Sunday 30th October
2pm in Eesti Maja.
All welcome!
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