19th Sõru Jazz Festival Held on Hiiumaa Island

The 19th edition of the Sõru Jazz Festival was held on Hiiumaa Island, Estonia, from June 18 to 21, drawing hundreds of attendees to concerts at the ports of Sõru and Orjaku, as well as at Emmaste Church.

The opening day featured a performance by the Johannes Laas Trio at Orjaku port, along with Liina Tralla, Lauri Rääpp, Marek Talts, and Peedu Kass. On Friday, the lineup included Joel Remmel's trio, Mingo Rajandi with Josefine Vannesluoma and Juho Valjakka, Liisi Koikson, Marianne Leibur, and Anna Pärnoja with a program dedicated to Joni Mitchell, as well as Kvintetlus with Siim Aimla and Toomas Vanem.

After a several-year hiatus, an orchestra performed again at the festival. One of the highlights was the evening concert by Kadri Voorand and Mihkel Mälgand together with the Tallinn Chamber Orchestra. Saturday's program combined outdoor activities with various concerts. The day began with an RMK hike, followed by evening performances from Keelepeksjad, the Aavik duo, Erki Pärnoja with a "Rumba" program, Carmen Rõivasepp's quartet, and the ensemble Sadu. The festival concluded on Sunday with Mari Jürjens' performance at Emmaste Church.

Festival organizer Guido Kangur noted that Sõru Jazz once again proved itself as a place where special musical experiences and unique memories are created. "We thank everyone who helped make the 19th Sõru Jazz so memorable," he said.