Maatasa’s journey began in 2013 when a group of young individuals who had worked together on traditional music renditions and arrangements decided to learn more about their authentic roots. They began studying Southern Estonian folklore in a variety of areas, including songs, dances, instruments, folk tales, folk costumes, and more. Southern Estonia is unique in terms of folklore because it has maintained its traditions for longer than the rest of the country.\nContra dances, partner dances, and tunes once played by Southern Estonian instrumentalists are all part of Maatasa’s repertoire. The group performs both traditional regilaul and popular 19.-20 songs about love and life. The majority of the songs performed and sung by the ensemble were found in museum archives and learned via recordings. Maatasa instruments include well-known instruments like the violin, jew’s harp, bagpipe, guitar, and mandolin, as well as traditional Southern Estonian instruments like the kannel and karmo\u0161ka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The group first performed using the name “Maatasa” on the 16th of February in 2013 at the international festival Baltica. This date is also regarded as the anniversary of Maatasa. Since then, the folklore club has grown to about 30 members, all of whom sing, play instruments, and perform traditional dances.\n\nMaatasa’s name can be understood in two ways: the Estonian word “maatasa” means “down to earth,” which refers to the group’s focus on authentic, traditional folklore. It can also be interpreted as “to the dust,” referring to how the group incorporates their own vision and ideas into traditional songs and tunes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The leader of Tartu Folklore Club Maatasa is Halliki Pihlap<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Music director – Helin Pihlap <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The umbrella organization for Maatasa is the Tartu Christian Adolescent Home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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