Hiiumaa Homecoming Festival for Ukrainian Students

“To send light into the darkness of men's hearts – such is the duty of the artist.” – Robert Schumann

 

Hiiumaa Homecoming Music Festival was founded in 2006 with the mission of promoting classical music and support young musicians' dreams to pursue their careers at the highest possible level.

 
Along with many people worldwide, the festival stands strong in solidarity with Ukraine against Russian aggression. This year, we decided to prioritize invitations to displaced Ukrainian students and provide the entire festival experience at absolutely no cost to them. But we need your help. 100% of your generous contributions will be used to cover their music lessons from world-renown artists, travel, and accommodation expenses. 

Music has the power to bring peace in times of suffering, to bring hope to those in despair. At this time, many Ukrainians continue to suffer significantly as a result of the Russian invasion on their land. Due to this war, countless students have lost their homes and livelihood. We seek to provide solace and peace to young Ukrainian musicians through music and learning at our summer festival.

 

 

 

 

The highlight and trademark of our festival is the collaboration between guest artists and students who will share the stage in festival performances. This form of collaboration inspires and ignites curiosity within students, teachers, and audience members alike, creating a bond between them and an unforgettable experience for all involved. During the past 15 years, we have presented over 50 performances of unique programs, including traditional and contemporary repertoire.

 

The festival presents world-renowned musicians from over 15 countries on a beautiful island in Estonia. Guest artists and professors from Tallinn Academy of Music, London Royal College and Guildhall School, Eastman School of Music, Hague Conservatory, Imola Conservatory, Tel-Aviv Buchmann-Mehta School of Music, Vienna University, members of London Philharmonic, Hague Philharmonic, Haydn Orchestra di Bolzano, world-leading soloists take part in concerts and masterclasses.

 

 

 

 

Our 2022 program is scheduled to take place during the last week of July. Students will participate in masterclasses and  performances during the festival.

For information on our guest artists and professors, along with other information please visit our website at https://www.homecomingfest.com/en/welcome-2/

 

 

 

 

Your Support

This festival needs your support to allow these young musicians to continue to bring joy and hope to the world through their music. With your help, students may attend this summer festival on the beautiful island of Hiiumaa in Estonia where they will receive guidance and share their stories and talent with us all.

 

In addition, the island offers much inspiration and beauty to those who visit. Hiiumaa Island is known for its lighthouses, unspoiled nature, and the sense of humor of its locals. It was created after a giant meteorite blast about 455 million years ago, making it perhaps one of the oldest islands in the world. Aside from lessons and rehearsals, this festival will provide a learning experience that ties music and nature together.

 

 

Here you'll find the world's oldest continuously operating lighthouse (Kõpu lighthouse)

 

We ask everybody who wants to help talented young artists, many of whom have lost their homes, to allow them some relief from the horrors of war and to obtain a unique experience of world-class music making, to contribute towards making their dream a reality.

 

We invite all donors to become co-participants and patrons of our festival.

We are looking forward to hearing from you.

 

“Life without music is unthinkable” – Leonard Bernstein

Dmitry Bulgakov, 
Founder of the Hiiumaa Homecoming Music Festival 
Docent of oboe, Estonia Academy of Music and Theater

Alexander Kobrin
Co-director of Hiiumaa Homecoming Music Festival
Professor of Piano, Eastman School of Music