The festival program brings together world-class musicians, traditions of different cultures, and exciting audiovisual solutions. Installations and art projects will enrich the urban space since May, and alongside the concerts, workshops, dinners, immersive medieval experiences and night raves will be held for young people and adults.

PROGRAM

July 10th

A MEDIEVAL ADVENTURE

Set off on a journey along the edges of the Old Town. Climb the bell tower of St Paul’s Church and discover Viljandi from above.

Along the way there will be refreshments, a hearty medieval feast accompanied by live music, traditional dancing — and the chance to forge your own historical-inspired token.

The experience lasts approximately four hours, with a relaxed pace and plenty of time to listen, look, dance and enjoy.

The tour is conducted in English.

Led by:
Salli Järve — tour guide
Gretten Vaga — dance instructor
Young musicians of Viljandi Music School, led by Bert Langeler

10 July, 2PM – 6PM
Start and finish: Bonifatius Guild (address Väike-Turu 8)
Register in touringery package

SENILE MADNESS

Helen Lokuta (National Opera, soprano), Triin Ella (alto), Anto Õnnis (tenor), Tõnis Kaumann (bariton), Riho Ridbeck (bass)
Hortus Musicus – Artistic leader juht Andres Mustonen
Visual design: Iiris-Minda Paemurru (contemporary version of laterna magica)

A Madrigal Comedy by Adriano Banchieri
Hortus Musicus — 55th Season

Who will have the upper hand — the schemes of two old men or the cunning plans of a clever servant and the irresistible passion of young lovers?
Adriano Banchieri’s delightful madrigal comedy La Pazzia senile (Senile Madness), written in 1603, brings together wit, deception, love and music in a wonderfully theatrical celebration of the Italian Renaissance and early Baroque.

With this performance, we celebrate a remarkable milestone: the 55th season of Hortus Musicus, Estonia’s legendary early music ensemble and one of the country’s longest-standing musical institutions.

July 10th 7PM Viljandi Baptist Church (address A. Maramaa 1a)

July 11th

I, ELIZABETH — A MONARCH IN CRISIS

A Musical Monodrama
A queen. A decision. A death warrant.

Elizabeth I faces one of the most agonising decisions of her reign: she is called upon to sign the death warrant of her cousin, Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots.

The crisis is political, personal and religious all at once.

Based on Queen Elizabeth I’s own writings and accounts left by her contemporaries, this extraordinary musical monodrama brings the inner world of the monarch to life.

The performance moves freely between theatre and classical concert, with music forming an essential part of the drama. Elizabeth herself was a skilled musician, and her relationship with music becomes a vital thread in the story.

Elizabeth is portrayed by acclaimed Finnish harpsichordist and actress Elina Mustonen.

July 11th 7PM Viljandi Baptist Church (address A. Maramaa 1a)

A GRAND FEAST WITH HISTORIAN-MAYOR

Join us for a memorable evening of food, music and stories in the company of Jaak Pihlak, Mayor of Viljandi and historian.

Enjoy a sumptuous feast inspired by medieval cuisine and discover the flavours that might have graced the tables of a Hanseatic town centuries ago.

Between courses, Mayor Jaak Pihlak will take us on a fascinating journey through the history of Viljandi from 1283 to 1500 — the town’s flourishing Hanseatic period, its merchants, people and place in the wider medieval world.

The evening will be accompanied by live music and dancing, creating an atmosphere in which history is not simply told, but experienced.

Come for the food, stay for the stories — and spend an evening in the company of medieval Viljandi.

The evening is conducted in Estonian.
Dress code: casual.
Period-inspired clothing or accessories are warmly welcomed and encouraged.

July 11th 8.40PM – 9.40PM at the Bull´s Head Tavern (Härjapea kõrts)

NIGHT MOODS –  MUSIC AND LIGHT IN ST JOHN´S CHURCH

Baroque Mandolin & Organ

Lighting design.

The delicate, intimate sound of Estonia’s only Baroque mandolin meets the majestic power of the organ at St John’s Church.

Together, they invite us on a nocturnal journey through contrasting states of mind:
– Joy / Light
– Melancholy / Meditation
– Passion
– Dream / Lullaby
– Silence / Fading Away

A concert for the quiet hours — when the world slows down and music begins to speak in another language.

Guests may choose between standard church pews and bag chairs.

July 11th 10PM St John´s Church (address Pikk str 6)

July 12th

IRISH COOKING WORKSHOP

Discover the flavours of Ireland and learn how to prepare traditional Irish dishes in a special workshop held in cooperation with the Embassy of Ireland.
Registration opens in October.

July 12th 4.30 – 6PM

IRISH STEP DANCE WORKSHOP

Get into the rhythm of Irish music and learn the lively steps of traditional Irish step dancing! In this fun and energetic workshop, you’ll discover the basics of this distinctive dance style and experience the joy, rhythm and spirit of Irish dancing. No previous dance experience is needed — just bring your enthusiasm, comfortable shoes and a willingness to move, learn and have fun!

In collaboration with the Embassy of Ireland.
Registration opens in October.

July 12th 5-6PM

A DIPLOMATIC NOTE: IRELAND
Harp, Whistle, Pipes & Celtic Prayers
A musical encounter with Ireland.

One of the leading harpists of her generation and a former Irish Artist of the Year, Laoise Kelly, joins the extraordinary Irish whistle and uilleann pipes virtuoso Tiarnán Ó Duinnchinn.

Together with Jaan Tammsalu, they create an intimate musical landscape rooted in Irish tradition and prayers. “Hold me in the hollow of your hand.”

The performance also features leader of the festival Andres Mustonen on Irish fiddle.

July 12th 7PM Viljandi Baptist Church (address A. Maramaa 1a)

BACH LIVE RAVE
Bach in Tech — Baroque Meets Techno

What happens when Johann Sebastian Bach steps into the world of contemporary electronic music?

The Viljandi Early Music Festival explores how early music continues to live, evolve and resonate today.

“My project takes this radically: Bach is not a monument, but a companion,” says composer and guitarist Aleksandr Žedeljov, Music Director of Südalinna Theatre.

In this live set, Bach’s music from vinyl records meets contemporary technology. Baroque phrases, timbres and harmonies are transformed in real time using samplers, grooveboxes and synthesizers — without a computer.
The result is a distinctive classical rave: rhythmic, physical and unexpected.
This is not a remix. It is a new work born from the encounter between the intricate polyphony of the Baroque and the pulse of contemporary rhythm culture.

Bach — alive, immediate and dancing.

July 12th 9PM Sakala Center (address Tallinna 5)

July 13th

Medieval Merriment & Fair Day

Step into lively old-time vibes filled with music, craft, and celebration—alongside the Bonifatius Guild.

What you can expect
– Handycrafts & workshops
– Lively music comes from the music school youth, guided by Bert Langeler.
– Hobby school performances
– Attractive, era-appropriate sales stalls
– Lively atmosphere, music, and fun
– Snacks and drinks

Closing Party in Herr Artur
At 9 PM, everyone is invited to the final celebration:

– Medieval clothing fashion show with fitting opportunities
– Photo wall for unforgettable memories
– Live music
– Festival dancing led by Gretten Vaga

Everyone is welcome! In cooperation with the Bonifatius Guild

July 13th 5 – 10 PM Viljandi Baptist Church at Bonifatius Guild (address Väike-Turu str 8)

MOZART: REQUIEM
Andres Mustonen’s Version

Elina Netšajeva — soprano
Aule Urb — mezzo-soprano
Anto Õnnis — tenor
Alvar Tiisler — baritone
Hortus Festival Orchestra
Conductor: Andres Mustonen

Mozart’s final, unfinished masterpiece is one of the most powerful works in the classical repertoire — and one surrounded by an extraordinary web of stories, legends and unanswered questions.

July 13th 7PM Viljandi Baptist Church (address A. Maramaa 1a)

A GRAND FEAST WITH HISTORIAN-MAYOR

Join us for a memorable evening of food, music and stories in the company of Jaak Pihlak, Mayor of Viljandi and historian.

Enjoy a sumptuous feast inspired by medieval cuisine and discover the flavours that might have graced the tables of a Hanseatic town centuries ago.

Between courses, Mayor Jaak Pihlak will take us on a fascinating journey through the history of Viljandi from 1283 to 1500 — the town’s flourishing Hanseatic period, its merchants, people and place in the wider medieval world.

The evening will be accompanied by live music and dancing, creating an atmosphere in which history is not simply told, but experienced.

Come for the food, stay for the stories — and spend an evening in the company of medieval Viljandi.

The evening is conducted in Estonian.
Dress code: casual.
Period-inspired clothing or accessories are warmly welcomed and encouraged.
July 13th 9.00 -10.30PM in Bonifatius Guild (address Väike-Turu 8)