Superb singing at Suvihari

The slender one has long held affection for Seedrioru, from the days when the slimster was but a whelp, attending summer camp, or suvekodu.

Because of the pandemic the annual greeting of summer with Suvihari, a celebration of warm weather in song, speech, the remembering of those who gave their lives to gain independence then later defending, had been postponed. It is a memorable not-to-be-missed event. That we lacked for two years.

Perhaps this nostalgia rises strongly from the fact that the founders of Seedrioru were from the Estonian societies, eesti seltsid in smaller cities (Hamilton, Kitchener, St Catharines and London) in Southern Ontario. They are a special breed of Estonians. Often from the islands. Volunteers have donated thousands and thousands of hours since 1955, when an old farmstead on the banks of the Grand River was purchased in the interest of providing a cultural experience for Estonian children, ensuring that they would speak their mother tongue in the process. Seedrioru’s cottage leaseholders and supporters are of a different make than those from the Big Smoke, Hogtown, where trying to be cosmopolitan results often in a prevailing divisive attitude.

This year’s Suvihari was truly memorable. Perfect summer weather, clear and sunny, a mild breeze to keep the mosquitoes away. So unlike the times when performers and audience sweltered in muggy, humid air whilst trying to swat the skeeters. Hard to recall such a day at Seedrioru in recent decades.

Enjoyment was had in swimming and a volleyball tournament for all, especially the younger generation.

The featured performers were very special. The Estonian Radio Girls Choir had already performed at numerous Toronto locations; those who had heard them knew it was worth the drive to the environs of Elora. The choir is composed of, according to the provided programme, girls and young ladies ranging from ages of 14 to 19. Although a keen eye thought some were even younger.

In last week’s Eesti Elu, reviewer Eerik Purje used superlatives in praising the choir and their conductors, Kadri Hunt and Kaie Tanner. He wrote that listening to their singing at St. Peter’s Church, the choir was comparable to angels expressing their beliefs. And the same can be said about the flawless performance at Suvihari. Angelic, yet professionally beyond their years.

Your humble correspondent availed himself of the opportunity to speak with Kadri Hunt. At allowed length. A wonderful individual. Not only a lovely singer, conductor, but also a composer to boot. Her very Estonianness, in the sense that fun was being poked at others, her “Estonian Etudes” is remarkable. Her sense of humour, in both of Seedrioru’s official languages, shone throughout.

The choir performed in the first half of their lovely singing mostly what the undersigned experienced at St. Peter’s church. And flawlessly. The movements chosen to accompany certain songs were im peccable. This choir is extraordinary.

The proceedings went as usual at Suvihari. After the commemorations and speeches, the choir once again took to the risers and was, as Kadri Hunt promised, not as serious as in the first half. Where perhaps most of the very patriotic songs sung were performed in Toronto. Now the young ladies really let loose with unexpected material. Smiling all the while. And the audience was beckoned to sing along at times. One skinny wretch accepted the dare, knowing the words and melodies, and found that his eyes were misty. Why? It was not that humid. Must be something in Seedrioru’s air.

These young maidens are truly incredible singers. With genuine heart. The svelte one had the opportunity to speak, after a lovely dinner, with the choir’s voice coach Külli Kiivet. Who is a remarkable individual as well, involved in the Estonian choral community on many levels, as a singer, conductor and many more roles.

She believes in the power of song, the freedom that it gives in the form of self-expression. Truly a wonderful and giving, caring person. Hope to see her again. Kadri Hunt as well.

The smiles, the genuine enjoyment of sharing their gifts through song were greatly appreciated at Seedrioru. Nothing like a cheerful teenager, believing in her voice, giving happy smiles galore to spark happiness. As surely was the case wherever these wonderful songbirds alit during a time of confusion and expectations that their conveyors here, governments and airports could not meet.

The skinny guy is proud to be an Estonian, especially after making the acquaintance of these wonderful young Estonians. Elagu Eesti noored. Long live our youth. Especially those, who know that singing is often the only way to communicate those difficult to express sentiments otherwise. After all, we all have a legacy to uphold. Aitäh noored! Aitäh Seedrioru!

OTEPÄÄ SLIM

Photo: Estonian Life