Sea Songs in Support of Estonian Associations

Text Timo Raussi
Photo Haide Rannakivi


The Finnish–Estonian Associations Union, or SVYL, which promotes awareness of Estonia in Finland through its roughly 30 local associations and fosters cultural exchange between the two countries, will celebrate its 35th anniversary in February. Among other activities, SVYL has published Viro.nyt magazine since 2001, regularly participated in the Helsinki and Turku Book Fairs, and organised numerous seminars and trips.

On Tuesday, 10 February, the popular Estonian actor, singer, and round-the-world sailor Marko Matvere will arrive in Helsinki to perform an evening of sea-themed songs and stories. Fluent in Finnish, Matvere is no stranger to Helsinki. For example, the film about master singer Georg Ots, in which Matvere played the leading role, was partly shot in Helsinki some twenty years ago, including scenes in Kaivopuisto, the House of Culture, and Hotel Torni.

The concert and storytelling evening at the Alexander Theatre is dedicated to the golden age of sailing ships—from the 16th to the 18th centuries—and to the tradition of sailors’ songs, called shanties, originating from that era. These songs also form the foundation of modern music about the sea and life connected to seafaring. It has been said that every songwriter with a love of maritime romance draws inspiration from the most beautiful, beloved, and humorous songs of the 19th century—a time when ships were made of wood and men of iron.

The event is organised by Viljandi Sõbrad ry., a member association of SVYL, and the proceeds will be used to support the activities of the Finnish–Estonian Associations Union and its member organisations. Tickets for the evening are still available here.

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Concert Estonian Culture events Helsinki Marko Matvere sea shanties SVYL