Folklore Club Maatasa's youth group

Tartu Folklore Club Maatasa is engaged in the study of South Estonian folklore in various fields: songs, dances, folk songs, and folk costumes. Maatasa’s songs are mostly in the dialect of South Estonian, and they introduce instruments that are also characteristic of the region – the kannel, the karmoška and violins, mandolines. The folklore club has 40 members, all of whom play instruments and dance and sing. Maatasa’s songs are mainly learned from archival recordings, which allows the performance mannerisms of the instrumentalists and singers and the specific regional characteristics to be acquired. The dances are also influenced by the characteristics of South Estonia and by the influence of neighbouring countries (Latvia, Russia). The main group also works on handicrafts, and emphasis is put on awareness and understanding of folklore and traditions.

The youth group mainly focuses on learning about the world of folklore and developing their skills in playing instruments, dancing and singing. Participation in the youth group also teaches valuable lessons in communication and playing together in an ensemble. Maatasa youth group brings together young people aged between 12 and 18. The repertoire consists mainly of older and newer folk songs from Southern Estonia and traditional dances known throughout Estonia. Although the youth group and the main ensemble perform separately on a daily basis, they are still a united community. A lot of events are organised and participated in as one group, and members learn by example: the younger learn from the older and the older from the younger. When the two groups perform together, they form an exciting and diverse mix of ages and perspectives of seeing the world, and the end result truly resembles a traditional village party.

Folklore Club Maatasa has launched the international folklore festival Tartu Folk. All members of the folklore group volunteer during the festival to help with organisation.

Folklore Club Maatasa, led by Halliki Pihlap (youth group) and Helin Pihlap (main ensemble).

Video by Maatasa youth group in Kladnos (Czech Republic). A compilation of their repertoire.