A Concert for Estonia's Birthday! Ensemble RÜÜT

The charm of RÜÜT's music lies in its versatile and exploratory approach to Estonian folk music. The ensemble’s music is rooted in the ancient traditions of our land but branches out to embrace the diversity of the modern world. Their repertoire includes interpretations of traditional runic songs and old instrumental tunes, complemented by original compositions. The musical whole reflects influences from various world music traditions and styles.
The name of the ensemble, RÜÜT, is inspired by the golden plover (Pluvialis apricaria), a bird whose calls are familiar to anyone who has wandered through Estonia’s summer bog landscapes but is rarely seen. The bird’s soft, golden-black patterned plumage evokes the mood most people associate with the bogs. Similarly, the ensemble resonates with the rhythm of their namesake bird’s heart and the landscapes of their homeland.
In the autumn of 2023, the ensemble released their third full-length album, “Kiriküüt”. This album focuses on creatively interpreting the bird and nature sounds found in the treasures of Estonian folklore and blending them with their own discoveries of nature’s voices—a powerful shared source of inspiration and raw material that connects us with our ancestors.
The album won three awards at the 2024 Etnokulp Awards: Album of the Year, Artist of the Year, and New Folk Artist of the Year. In 2023, the ensemble also released a collaborative album titled “Lendas meie kopelisse” ("Flew into Our Meadow") with Sander Mölder, which was also issued on vinyl.
2023. aastal ilmus ansamblil ka koostööalbum “Lendas meie kopelisse” koos Sander Mölderiga, mis üllitati ka vinüülil.

Members
Maili Metssalu – violin, vocals
Maarja Soomre – melodica, kannel (Estonian zither), vocals
Juhan Uppin – Estonian accordion, kannel, vocals
Jaan-Eerik Aardam – guitar, vocals

Video:
“Kadrile” (albumilt “Kiriküüt”, Nordic Notes)
https://youtu.be/6DWEl_BFG50?si=4sPiM77YoMl9neKQ

“Mina ja meri” (Laulupidu 2023)
https://youtu.be/K4LV0FSBbrk?si=iNY5__viIx02aKKb