The Estonian National Male Choir and Lauri are welcoming teachers and school groups into the concert hall during the week leading up to Independence Day. Tailored to fit the length of a single school lesson, the program revives the melodies of our traditional folk calendar, brought to life through engaging storytelling. It is a chance to sing along and get completely lost in the music—after all, how often do you get to sit right in the middle of the choir?

A self-described hobbyist folklorist, Lauri Õunapuu champions ancient Estonian singing traditions in more ways than one. Besides teaching heritage music and leading the Society for Archaic Male Song, his warm bass voice is a familiar staple on Vikerraadio’s “Päritud laul” segment. Lauri is also a cornerstone of the Estonian metal scene as a member of Metsatöll, a role where he brings traditional bagpipes, the kannel, and whistles into the world of heavy music.