Sounds and Stories from Ruhnu Island • Folk Music Harvest Party

The members of the ensemble Sounds and Stories from Ruhnu Island have been dedicated to reviving the rich cultural heritage of Ruhnu Swedes for over 10 years. In the fall of 2024, the ensemble will release a new audiovisual album titled The Memory of the Sea, which highlights the 80th anniversary of the Great Escape to Sweden, an event that marked the end of the centuries-old living cultural heritage on Ruhnu Island.

Sounds and Stories from Ruhnu Island is a unique project as it presents a cross-section of forgotten Ruhnu Swedish fiddle music and hymn tunes, performed by folk musicians Karoliina Kreintaal and Lee Taul. An interesting nuance is added to the concert by singer and storyteller Kairi Leivo. The pieces, some of which date back hundreds of years, offer a glimpse into a distinctive tradition. Stories from the current island residents about everyday life provide listeners with both humorous insights and contemporary tales from village life on the remote Ruhnu Island.

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