WHO ARE WE?Anna Linnupuu established the Seto folksong choir Helmekaala in 1986 in Võru, in South Estonia. The aim of the choir is to keep alive the authentic leelo, the instrumentality and ethnic roots of Seto. Currently the choir consists of 12 singers and some of them are also playing musical instruments. The repertoire of Helmekaala is based on authentic Seto leelo. Connection to the past is very essential to all Seto singers – the older singers are retained the songs of their mothers and grandmothers, the younger ones learn from elders and use the archive materials also. And the same way we have got our national costumes and jewellery.
Helmekaala has introduced Seto’s culture in Komi Republic, Germany, Finland, Czech Republic, Russia and Sweden and in different places around Estonia. Anna has achieved many different honorary awards including V Class Order of the White Star from Estonian President in 2002. Since 2009 is Seto leelo on the UNESCO’s world heritage list. |