On May 4th, VEMU’s guests, partners, supporters, volunteers, performers, and employees gathered for a festive evening in Tartu College’s main hall to capture the elusive Spirit of Tartu together. But was it truly elusive?
60 guests embarked on a culinary and musical journey together, a journey that was heightened and enlivened by the performances and presentations of the evening’s star individuals from Tartu — ambassador of Tartu Cultural Capital 2024, Chef Joel Ostrat; musician Jarek Kasar, director of the University of Tartu library, Krista Aru; and VEMU’s chief archivist Piret Noorhani. The evening was filled with harmony, teeming with energy and dynamic.
The Spirit of Tartu was embedded in the culinary challenge, where the various courses bore romantic names: Estonian Umami, When Sea Meets Land, Kiss on the Cheek, and Sweet Confusion. Delectable dishes prepared by Joel Ostrat’s gourmet team were elevated by Joel’s own mellow personality and humorous insights, which showcased his word-smithery.
Jarek Kasar’s improvisational performances were just as colourful and captivating, during which he joked about his own personality and experiences, and lifted the spirits of everyone present. The evening was full of an array of emotions. As Jarek mused, he gets a lot of food for thought from what he sees and experiences, from interesting discussions, various genres of music that he hears and listens to — from everything that tickles the brain and evokes connections and images in the mind. An important aspect of Jarek’s works are the lyrics, complex strings of words and he doesn’t miss a single one during his performances. He does, however, adapt the lyrics depending on the situation and feeling in the room. A live performance is alive and dynamic, he likes improvising and playing around with the existing words. This captivating improvisation also took place during Saturday evening’s event. As a creator, he feels that he’s been stuck in a bit of a creative crisis or block, aside from a few “eureka moments.” The best is yet to come. During the course of the evening, he also performed on of his more popular pieces, “Minu inimesed” (My People).
The manly duo of Jarek and Joel, both on stage, and in the kitchen added a certain spark to VEMU’s fundraising event, it was effortless and entertaining.
But the Spirit of Tartu isn’t all fun and games. It’s also academic, spiritual, deep, and determined.
Krista Aru’s extensive and inclusive overview of how we’re all touched by the Spirit of Tartu was inspiring. The path of the Spirit of Tartu has also been somewhat contradictory over the past couple hundred years. Since Tartu is, historically, a small wooden city on the shores of the Emajõgi, yet also a grand Athens of the Emajõgi and the academic and spiritual capital, duality is already seen in its name, from which we gather that the identity of the Spirit of Tartu is multifaceted.
The Spirit of Tartu is a logical part of our consciousness. On one hand, the Spirit of Tartu is a catalyst for progression, promoting development and broad thinking. On the other hand, there is something restrictive, local, and homey to it. It has a positive meaning and is never tied to money or material values. There is something bigger and broader within it.
Krista Aru stated that the biggest spokesman and bearer of the Spirit of Tartu was Jaan Tõnisson. There are four noble goals towards which we can strive for, which we can uphold in Tõnisson’s capacity. These are: freedom, the rule of law, democracy, and culture. Tõnisson added that adversaries fear the Spirit of Tartu and, therefore, disparage it. At the same time, this Spirit/ spirituality has helped start things which don’t have a selfish, personal meaning. Things which have given Estonian life new perspective, new viewpoints. Over time, academics, the strength to work together, and even the strength to build
important buildings and houses together has been found in the Spirit of Tartu.
Today, the Spirit of Tartu is found in innovativeness, in the seeking and creative approaches and stances. It has a positive effect on our Estonian life.
Piret Noorhani invited the evening’s guests to indicate their Tartu-Estonian heritage. There were surprisingly many of us. Many of us were born, had grown up, attended school and even worked there. All of us had made it from Tartu in the homeland to Tartu in Toronto. It was a joyful moment of recognition.
Just as 2024 is the year of the European Capital of Culture in Tartu, the culture of Tartu has also made its way to Tartu College. Malev Toom’s photography exhibition, featuring portraits of important figures from Tartu, was also opened at the fundraising event. Included in the exhibition are over 40 intellectuals and people of action, who Malev Toom has showed a great respect and appreciation for over the course of capturing these portraits. Among those who have been photographed are academics, artists, cultural
figures, and Bohemians who have contributed to the image of Tartu and shaped its identity and
character.
VEMU’s fundraising event, through which funds are raised to support construction of the museum’s new building, took place for the 12th already, in order to give us, the VEMU team, a chance to thank those who have supported the museum’s activities through voluntary work, financially, with ideas or contacts. The supportive audience who attends VEMU’s events and all of the individuals who have helped develop the archival and museum collections were also thanked. Also thanked were the supporters and board: Tartu College, Eesti Elu/Estonian Life newspaper, Estonian Foundation of Canada, Northern Birch Credit Union, Estonian Central Council in Canada, the Estonian Embassy in Ottawa, the Republic of Estonia, and the numerous partners. The collaboration with local Estonian schools and Ehatare Retirement and Nursing Home always brings joy; they continuously invite our performers to their events, fostering a synergy which makes our small community larger and preserves our culture even more. Tartu is our academic home, the home of our language and culture, where our creativity can take flight. We all grew wings that evening, supported and lifted by the Spirit of Tartu. There were many unforgettable moments. Thank you!
Heidy Eskor