Inclusivity Concert Elukoor Celebrates Diversity with Mari Kalkun and Haldi

On December 3, in honor of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Kaja Cultural Center in Tallinn will host the third annual Ühtekuuluvuskontsert (Concert of Belonging). This year’s event, titled Elukoor (Life Choir), is a groundbreaking celebration of inclusivity, ensuring participation for audiences of all abilities. The concert will also be broadcast live on ETV2 at 7 PM.

What sets Elukoor apart is its commitment to accessibility. Physical access is coupled with sign language interpretation, audio descriptions, and written translation. Programs will be available in braille and simplified language, ensuring that people with intellectual disabilities, children, and even Estonian language learners can follow along. Most notably, the event is free for all attendees.

The concert lineup features renowned Estonian artists Mari Kalkun and Haldi, accompanied by a live band and chamber choir Encore. In addition, poets Lauri Räpp and Anne-Mai Tevahi will share reflections on life with a disability, performed by actors Priit Kasepalu and Maarja Kaplinski, who bring their personal experiences to the stage.

Mari Kalkun, who is learning Estonian sign language to perform one of her own songs, emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in society. “A community is only as strong as its most vulnerable members,” Kalkun remarked. “When someone feels excluded, it reflects a societal weakness, not strength. Music can bridge divides and foster greater empathy.”

Adding to the immersive experience, students and faculty from Tallinn Health Care College will provide hands-on demonstrations of assistive devices before and after the concert. Attendees will also have the opportunity to simulate what it feels like to navigate life with a disability, offering a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by others.

Each year, a new choir organizes the Ühtekuuluvuskontsert, highlighting the importance of accessibility in cultural events to a broader range of organizers. This year’s event is led by the chamber choir Encore, continuing the tradition of raising awareness and inspiring change.

For those unable to attend in person, ETV2 will provide a live broadcast of the concert on December 3 at 7 PM, allowing viewers everywhere to join in this powerful celebration of diversity and inclusion.