Olev Vestmann ja Suveniir 50 - ''Kolme pääsukese kohvik''

Olev Vestmann and Suveniir 50 “The Three Swallows Café” In summer, a grand folk celebration took place at the Tartu Song Festival Grounds, where songs by the Suveniir ensemble were performed. The audience’s response was so warm and heartfelt that the idea arose to bring them two more concerts, dedicated to the ensemble Suveniir’s fiftieth year of activity and to Olev Vestmann—the Suveniir singer whose warm, distinctive voice became one of the hallmarks of the ensemble’s sound. The Suveniir ensemble has been part of Estonian music for half a century. Several generations of listeners have grown up with the ensemble’s songs. Suveniir’s story began at the end of 1974, when composer and musician Heldur Jõgioja brought the ensemble together. Active concert performances began as early as 1975. The ensemble’s popularity grew quickly. At the height of Suveniir’s success, demand was so high that the ensemble performed in two line-ups. Their songs made it onto radio, records, and cassettes, and many became songs people sang along to from the very first notes. Olev Vestmann, who passed away on 17 October 22 years ago, is also inseparably linked to Suveniir’s story. Vestmann was a singer, musician, and music teacher who worked for years at Elva Music School and joined Suveniir in the ensemble’s early days. He became one of the group’s central soloists, and his performances brought listeners songs that remain among Suveniir’s best-loved to this day. “Mandoliinid öös”, “Rumal süda”, “Kolme pääsukese kohvik”, and several other songs are inseparably associated with Olev Vestmann’s voice for many listeners. But Olev Vestmann was more than a singer. He was also a creator whose contribution to Suveniir’s music went beyond performing. Together with Heldur Jõgioja and other ensemble members, he helped shape Suveniir’s distinctive sound—melodic, romantic, and recognisably Estonian. His songs were warm and bright, with a touch of wistfulness. Now, in Suveniir’s 50th anniversary year, these songs are sounding again. The anniversary concert will feature beloved Suveniir songs, with Olev Vestmann’s musical legacy taking an important place. Performers: Sirje Kurg Rein Kurg Liane Loog Boris Lehtlaan Erich Krieger MC: Kaarel Tuvike 11 October - Vanemuine Concert Hall 14 October - Pärnu Concert Hall The concerts begin at 19:00. Event website: www.kontsert.ee [http://www.kontsert.ee] The organiser reserves the right to make changes to the programme and change the price without prior notice.