Vanemuine Cultural Society ( et, Vanemuine) is an Estonian cultural organization. The society was established on 24 June 1865 by the initiative of

Johann Voldemar Jannsen Johann Voldemar Jannsen ( in Vändra, Kreis Pernau, Livonia, Russian Empire – , in Tartu) was an Estonian journalist and poet active in Livonia. He wrote the words of the patriotic song "Mu isamaa, mu õnn ja rõõm", which later became the ...

. At the beginning, the society focused on choir music. In 1869, first

Estonian Song Festival The Estonian Song Festival (in Estonian: ''laulupidu'', ) is one of the largest choral events in the world, a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. It is held every five years in July on the Tallinn Song Festival Gro ...

took place and the festival was organized by the society. In 1870, first theatrical activities were taken place. These activities were the start of Estonian-language theatre. In 1940, the society was closed. In 1944, the society's buildings were destroyed due to military activity. On 28 October 1994, the society re-established. As of 2005, the society has 140 members.

References

External links

* {{Official website Estonian culture Organizations based in Estonia