From 19–27 November, the Vabariigi Pillimeeste Killavoor concert tour will travel across Estonia, bringing the joy of traditional music to audiences of all ages.
Performing with their instruments and songs are the three most recent holders of the Vabariigi Pillimees ("Musician of the Republic") title: Martin Arak, Kert Krüsban, and Toomas Valk.
At the Tallinn concert at Nõmme Cultural Centre, they will be joined by a special guest, Juhan Uppin, the very first recipient of the Vabariigi Pillimees title.
On 21 November, the musicians will perform in Iisaku!
The concert will take place at Iisaku Community Centre. The performance begins at 7:00 PM.
Awarded the first-ever Vabariigi Pillimees title in 2018, Juhan Uppin is widely regarded as one of the most respected and accomplished traditional musicians of his generation. Alongside his career as a performer, he is dedicated to teaching and researching Estonian folk music. His everyday instrument is the Teppo-style concertina (lõõtspill), while his "Sunday instruments" are various types of kantele.
Martin Arak, also known as Kandle-Oss, received the Vabariigi Pillimees title in 2020. A third-generation traditional musician from the Rõngu region, he has made the Estonian folk kantele his life's passion, continuing the musical traditions of his ancestors. His charisma and energetic performances captivate audiences through both instrumental tunes and songs.
Kert Krüsban began playing music as a child when he inherited a small button accordion from his grandfather. Within the Lahemaa folk musicians' community, he developed his skills on the lõõtspill, while also studying accordion at Loksa Music School and later traditional music at the Heino Eller Music School. He has held the Vabariigi Pillimees title since 2022.
Toomas Valk, the Vabariigi Pillimees of 2024, comes from the village of Nedsaja. His distinctive playing style combines the spirit of an old village musician with the confidence of a contemporary stage performer. Passionate about researching and reviving Seto concertina tunes, he also contributes new compositions to the tradition. His main instrument is a custom-built three-row button accordion, specially made for him in the Netherlands.