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Accompanied by Song – Olaf Kopvillem 100 – A Conference and Musical Program Celebrating Estonian Diaspora Musical Heritage

November 6, 2026 - November 7, 2026
11:00 AM
Tartu College, 3 Madison Ave. Toronto
VEMU is hosting an upcoming conference and music program dedicated to Estonian diaspora music.
Music has played a central role in preserving Estonian identity, language, and culture within the diaspora. It is therefore only natural that music also features prominently in the activities of VEMU.
On September 19, we opened an exhibition about Olaf Kopvillem at Tartu College; it was curated by his granddaughter, Keila Kopvillem, who also delivered the Dr. Vello Soots Memorial Lecture on the subject. This milestone offers an excellent opportunity to explore the musical heritage of the Estonian diaspora in a broader context. Consequently, the celebrations will continue on November 6–7 with events that offer both educational and entertaining experiences. The two-day conference will feature researchers, promoters, and performers of Estonian diaspora music from Estonia, Australia, and Canada: Vaiko Eplik, Maarja Merivoo-Parro, Roland Viilukas, Mirell Jakobson, Ahto Külvet, Katariina Tirmaste, Olev Muska, Kadri Tüür, Katherine Zubovich, Keila Kopvillem, Sebastian Buccioni, Piret Noorhani, and Eerik Purje.

 

Topics range from various aspects of Estonian diaspora music throughout history to the present day. In addition to academic presentations, the conference program places significant emphasis on sharing memories and discussing future plans.

 

The Friday evening concert program features Estonian musicians currently active in Canada alongside their colleagues from Estonia and Australia: Camille Intson, Helmi Hess, Vaiko Eplik, and Olev Muska. Saturday evening is dedicated to the musical legacy of Olaf and Peeter Kopvillem, with performances by family members and friends.

 

The events are supported by the Estonian Foundation of Canada, the Estonian Central Council in Canada, the Embassy of Estonia in Ottawa, the Integration Foundation, the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research, and the Government of Canada—Thank you for your support!

 

The working language of the conference is English; participation is free.
Registration will be starting October 19 at vemu.ca.

 

The conference program will run from 11 am–4 pm on both Friday Nov. 6th & Saturday Nov. 7th.
Concert times begin at 7 pm both evenings.  A more detailed program will be added soon!

 

Tickets for the Friday evening concerts (regular tickets: $30, youth tickets for ages up to 35: $15) also go on sale on October 19.
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