Estonian Minister thanks Australian choirs, dance groups and their leaders

In a gesture of gratitude as sincere as it was grand, the Estonian Ministry of Culture hosted a thank you reception for the leaders of international choirs and dance groups who participated in this year’s Laulu- ja tantsupidu (Song and Dance Festival). Among them were our very own Australian Estonian choirs and dance groups.

These Australian Estonian groups received Letters of Appreciation from the Ministry.

🎶 Kooskõlas – the Australian Estonian national choir led by conductor Naomi Cooper. This group brings together singers from across the country, including from Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.

Australian Estonian national choir “Kooskõlas” conductor Naomi Cooper. Photo by Estonian Ministry of Culture.

🎶 Kodu Kaja – the Melbourne Estonian women’s choir led by conductor Hilja Toom.

Melbourne choir “Kodu Kaja” conductor Hilja Toom and the Estonian Minister of Culture Heidy Purga. Photo: Estonian Ministry of Culture.

💃 Virmalised – the national folk dance group led by Ella Scott. The group includes dancers from New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory and South Australia.

Australian national folk dance group “Virmalised” lead Ella Scott and the Estonian Minister of Culture Heidy Purga. Photo: Estonian Ministry of Culture.

💃 FolkRoos – the Brisbane Estonian ladies’ folk dance group.

More about the reception

Held at the Cultural Ministry’s stately home Rüütelkonnahoone in Toompea on 7 July 2025, the reception was a warm and elegant affair. It brought together cultural leaders, including Estonia’s Minister of Culture Heidy Purga, Laulupidu’s chief conductor Heli Jürgenson, and Tantsupidu’s chief choreographer Helena-Mariana Reimann.

Each group leader received a formal letter of thanks in recognition of their work and commitment in keeping Estonia’s cultural flame alive abroad. The evening included a beautiful piano performance, a traditional kohvilaud (Estonian-style coffee table filled with treats), and a guided tour of the Ministry’s historic home.

Interested in stats?

At the Song Festival, 45 international groups performed, representing 1,500 singers and musicians. This included 31 Estonian collectives from abroad (with 1,100 participants) and 14 guest groups (500 participants).

At the Dance Festival, 38 international dance groups participated with nearly 600 dancers performing.

Together, these international participants made up over 5% of all performers.

Final words

We celebrate this beautiful moment of recognition together with Australian Estonian singers and dancers. We know it has taken much dedication and effort from the group leaders and members to bring your voices and dances across the world.