Summer Dynamics

Throughout centuries people have sailed to open waters and had international contacts. A modern marina is one of the sea-gates to Kuressaare. When taking a walk on its streets, sooner or later you end up at the seaside.

In 1997 the Saaremaa Maritime Culture Society initiated the Maritime Days in Kuressaare that has become a popular festivity gathering thousands of people in the beginning of August. Maritime music performances, recreational water activities, a Viking village, a fair of maritime antiques are just a few events worth visiting.

In the same year the tradition of Park Music, originally initiated in 1841, was restored under the name of Summer Music. The main idea is to offer people orchestral music of different styles. On this occasion, a small symphony orchestra, consisting of professional musicians convenes. In July the Orchestra performs classical music every Sunday. The Orchestra is funded by Kuressaare Municipality and since 1998 also by the Estonian Culture Foundation.

Moreover, the exhibitions of Art Summer offering a unique experience are organised each summer. The art exhibition "10 PAAR" by Estonian and Flemish artists tried to identify parallels in the art from the turn of the century of the two small countries. Both countries were represented by 10 artists, displaying the major directions in the contemporary art of their countries in twin towns, first in Kuressaare, then in Kuurne. This project was not just an international art event. It played an important role in fostering relationships between people.

In the end of July the yard of Kuressaare Castle is transformed into an open air opera theatre. The Kuressaare Opera Festival attracts performers and visitors both from Estonia and from outside. Year 2001 promises four days full of fabulous opera music. Rossini and Verdi are to be presented by outstanding artists from the Latvian National Opera and the St. Petersburg Maria Theatre. If you are an opera lover, tender summer nights in Kuressaare on 26-29 July 2001 are waiting for you. Everyone is welcome to attend Kuressaare 7^th Chamber Music Days in August 2001 to enjoy some of the best musicians of Europe.