Saturday, May 4th, 2024, 6:00 PM, at Tartu College

Tartu, along with southern Estonia, is a 2024 European Capital of Culture; carrying forth the key idea and theme of “The Arts of Survival”. The year began with a celebratory and entertaining opening ceremony titled “We Are All as One!” on the shores of the Emajõgi river on January 26. The rest of the year is full of both small and large events and campaigns which are all based on the creative spirit and soul of youthful Tartu.

VEMU’s home in Toronto is Tartu College and so it’s very natural and fitting that we also celebrate this special year for Tartu. Taking place on Saturday, May 4, VEMU’s 12th annual fundraising event is dedicated to Tartu — we’re bringing the spirit of the European Capital of Culture to Toronto. We’re looking for answers to the question “what is the Spirit of Tartu,” and exploring whether reflections of it pop up in Toronto as well.

The keynote speaker for the evening is Krista Aru, director of the University of Tartu Library; she has also headed the Estonian Literary Museum as well as the Estonian National Museum and been a member of the 13th Riigikogu, Parliament of Estonia. Krista studied journalism at the University of Tartu and has worked as a journalist and researcher of the history of journalism. In all of her positions, she has been a passionate advocate for Estonian culture and cultural heritage. Her topic of discussion at the fundraising event is “The Path of the Spirit of Tartu.”

Jarek Kasar, a musician from Tartu who we also know as Chalice, will be performing. He began his career as a rapper. His musical journey has taken him into new sonic territory; from experimental, eclectic compositions which draw on musical traditions from around the world, such as African traditional music, all the way to contemporary electronic rock. His song “Minu inimesed” (My People), which premiered at the Estonian Independence Day ceremony in 2006, was declared by Postimees newspaper as the secondary ceremonial speech in addition to the president’s speech. This deeply touching piece was sung by thousands at the 2007 10th Youth Song Festival.

The dining experience will be provided by acclaimed chef Joel Ostrat, who has also had his own tv show titled “Joel Ostrat’s Big Dinner” on TV3. He has developed numerous brands, for instance Gustav, a pastry and café chain, and his personal Joel Ostrat brand. His business endeavours are all consolidated under Maitseelamused Grupp, which connects various restaurants, from the cult-favourite Werner café to the cocktail bar-restaurant Meat Market. The menu for the fundraising event features the best aspects of what Estonian cuisine has to offer. Joel is also an ambassador of Tartu, Culture Capital.

We welcome and look forward to seeing all of VEMU’s partners, supporters, and friends at Tartu College on Saturday, May 4, 2024, starting 6:00 p.m.

Admission for the evening is $200, a part of which will go towards the construction of VEMU’s new building (the supporter will receive a tax receipt).

Registration will be open from April 5-26th. 
You can register and read more about the event HERE: https://estoniancentre.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/estoniancentre/event.jsp?event=13&

or by calling the Tartu College office: 416-925-9405, from 9-4, Monday to Friday.

An additional announcement: Jarek Kasar will be performing a full concert at Tartu College on Sunday, May 5, at 4 p.m. (tickets on sale at estonianmusicweek.ca starting April 12 and at the door). Krista Aru will be presenting a lecture at Tartu College on Wednesday, May 8 titled “Creator of the Umwelt and preserver of unanimity: memory institutions and communities” (in Estonian, free). Stay tuned!

MENU

Prepared by Chef Joel Ostrat

Hor d’oeuvres

Dark rye bread and pâté

White bread and salted fish äkis

Custard with sprats

Head chef’s greeting: Estonian Umami

Sour cream / dark rye bread / pickle / lingonberry

First course: When Sea Meets Land

Whitefish / gooseberry / buckwheat / handmade chips

Vegetarian option: Beet tartare 

Main course: Kiss on the Cheek

Beef cheek / wine and maple syrup / 3 x onions / celery root

Vegetarian option: Baked cauliflower with a cauliflower cream and buckwheat popcorn

Dessert: Sweet Confusion

Baked chocolate / cream / berries / cookies

Beverages

Red and white wine