How thrilled we have been to be present for the marvelous performances at the Laulupidu and the Tantsupidu of both 2014 and 2019. We, trained choral singers, along with our musical family members thoroughly enjoyed all the performances in each venue. To see thousands of dancers stepping to Estonian music is thrilling. To hear thousands of singers performing new and traditional music has provided new appreciation of the power of many well trained voices singing their hearts out. Both of these events have impressed us with this most meaningful expression of the patriotism of the cumulative hundreds of thousands of performers and citizens in the audiences. These are most moving occasions. We look forward to the 2025 Laulupidu and Tantsupidu!

Michael is Stanford University Vice Provost and University Librarian