The Ottawa Estonian Society celebrated the 89th anniversary of Estonia’s independence on March 1, 2007, with a concert held at La Chapelle room, University of Ottawa.
Urmas Vulp, Heiki Mätlik
At the Ottawa Independence Day aktus: from left to right: Samuel Shlik,Rasmus Lumi, Eve Õiglane-Shlik, Ülle Baum, Mark Olo, Ene Tikovt, Evelin Loit, Margus Aruja and Tuuli Olo. Photo: PB
Actually, this was our second celebration since the Estonian embassy had invited us all to their very enjoyable reception held February 23. This possibly accounted for attendance being somewhat sparse compared to previous years. Many people, especially seniors, were apprehensive about a winter storm that was approaching.
Attendance at Aktus has been holding fairly steady for the last few years but what is remarkable that the average age of participants has been dropping. The number of university aged groups sitting together is eye catching as is the presence of those small children we affectionately refer to as “mudilased”.
Mark Olo, president of the Ottawa Estonian Society, opened the Aktus/concert with a short speech followed by Rasmus Lumi, Chargé d’Affaires of the Estonian embassy.
Heiki Mätlik, guitarist and Urmas Vulp, violinist, gave an excellent performance that was well received by the audience. The acoustics of the hall were remarkable. The music included works by composers Juhan Aavik (Albumileht), Heino Eller (Põhja viis and Hällilaul), Rudolf Tobias (Duo), Ester Mägi, Arvo Pärt, Eduard Tubin, Peeter Vähi and Artur Lemba (Poème d’amour).
Working together with the Estonian embassies in Washington and Ottawa, Mätlik and Vulp will be performing a chamber music program “ a century of Estonian violin music” in Montreal and Toronto. Concerts have already been held in Ottawa, New York, Washington, Boston, Baltimore and Chicago.
After the Aktus/concert everyone retired to the back of the hall where the organizers had arranged snacks and liquid refreshment to be served in a friendly atmosphere.
Many thanks to the organizers for a job well done.
