Estonian Festival Spotlights Music of Peace Amid Conflict
The MustonenFest, one of Estonia's oldest international music projects, opened in Pärnu on January 22, 2026, launching a ten-day series of concerts across four cities that includes the world premiere of Israeli composer Eitan Steinberg's 'Evolving' as part of its mission to provide moments of peace.
- —The MustonenFest international music festival, one of Estonia's oldest and most respected music projects, opened on January 22, 2026, in Pärnu.
- —The festival will run for ten days, featuring 12 concerts across four cities and 10 venues, with performers from Estonia, Finland, Latvia, France, and Israel.
- —The concluding program, titled 'Imeline ilu' ('Wonderful Beauty'), will showcase the world premiere of Israeli composer Eitan Steinberg's 'Evolving' for string orchestra.
- —The festival's program includes works by composers such as Valentin Silvestrov and Krzysztof Penderecki, alongside Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 1.
Recap
The MustonenFest is leveraging its established platform for an act of cultural diplomacy. The programming is not a random collection of performances but a carefully constructed statement, using music from composers directly affected by conflict to frame the festival as a space for reflection and international collaboration. It's a strategic use of soft power, reinforcing Estonia's role as a cultural bridge while addressing contemporary global anxieties through art.