Sounds and Stories from Ruhnu Island is an interdisciplinary project that celebrates the unique history of Ruhnu. This project aims to rekindle the island's rich cultural and musical heritage, which unfortunately was lost when the local Ruhnu community dispersed during World War II.
The Sounds and Stories from Ruhnu Island concert offers a unique and immersive experience. The audience will be treated to the enchanting melodies of traditional fiddle music, harmonious choral songs, and captivating narratives that span centuries, bridging the gap between the past and the present.
Meet the talented artists behind this journey:
Karoliina Kreintaal: Fiddle and Vocals
Lee Taul: Fiddle and Vocals
Kairi Leivo: Vocals and Storytelling
Join us as we journey through time and immerse ourselves in the rich cultural tapestry of Ruhnu Island.
“In particular, I like the sense of respect for place, for people, for tradition and for transmission that you manage to convey in the whole package. It speaks to my soul even if it is of a place I have never been to in a language I do not know.”
— Tom Sherlock, Ireland
"They incorporated music, song, dance and storytelling in a way that most of the audience who have never been familiar with Estonian culture and traditions, came away as if they had gone for a short visit to the heartland of Estonia and mixed with the locals of the countryside there.” — Breanndán Ó Beaglaoich, musician, Ireland
"Listening to this music, you find yourself on the historical and contemporary Ruhnu island at the same time, which is connected by a waves, pinetrees, beaches of white sand, evil mosquitoes, two churches and the Ruhnu violin camp organized by Karoliina Kreintaal and friends. Ruhnu seems like a remote and isolated island in the Baltic sea, which is worth visiting. " — Leanne Barbo / "Music" magazine
With their music, Karoliina, Lee, Sänni and Kairi look beyond the Ruhnu bear and the Baltic herring war with Latvia, focusing into the traditions and everyday life of Ruhnu island and its people. In this way, three musicians and storytellers bring us to an island with a very rich cultural heritage, which carries an exciting symbiosis of Swedish and Estonian cultures, as well as stories and songs unique to this island." — Tarmo Noormaa / Head of the Estonian Traditional Music Center
The song "Echoes" was published on October, 22 2024 in Youtube and Facebook and Spotify!
The video was filmed by Baran Ismail Ulas and his team and edited by Ako Lehemets. We are very grateful to the video team and all helpers! It has been a long journey and we are very happy that we can present this song.
Echoes / Kajad
Director: Baran Ismail Ulas
Cinematographer: Do Hyun Kang
Drone operator: Yigit Ogul Gokoglu
Sound recordist: Batikan Olcucu
Lighting: Do Hyun Kang & Batikan Elcici
Video editor: Ako Lehemets
Sound and mastering: Rainer Koik
Producers: Lee Taul, Karoliina Kreintaal Kairi Leivo.
The spoken word is from a book first published in 1847 by Fredric Ekman.
Supporters: Estonian Culture Foundation, Estonian Authors Society.
Thank You: All people of Ruhnu, the municipality of Ruhnu, AS Tuuleliinid, Sänni Noormets, Joosep Lauk, Margus Meola, Kaarel Lauk, Ellen Jäger, Jüri Keskpaik, Andres ja Ruth Keskpaik, Mait Mikelsaar.