Valguspidu "Läbi päeva ja öö"
Sat, Aug 22
|Mattamy Athletic Centre
Experience the power of Estonian culture through song and dance! Join us for an unforgettable afternoon featuring performances by over 300 dancers and gymnasts on stage with the voices of a 300-strong choir.
Time & Location
Aug 22, 2026, 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Mattamy Athletic Centre, 50 Carlton St., Toronto, ON M5B 1J2, Canada
About the event
For one unforgettable performance, 300 singers will join together with 300 dancers and gymnasts to bring the Estonian tradition of Valguspidu ("Celebration of Light") to life. Led by Heli Jürgenson with the choirs, Agne Kurrikoff-Herman choreographing the folk dancers, and Janika Mölder leading the gymnasts, Valguspidu "Läbi päeva ja öö" will showcase the beauty and deep cultural pride of Estonians, wherever they may live, through traditions of choral music, folk dance, and movement.
GENERAL ADMISSION, TICKETS HERE
$36.60 ADULTS
$20.10 UNDER 18
Doors open 2:30
"Läbi päeva ja öö" (Through Day and Night) is a song of perseverance, hope, and the quiet conviction that lives in an Estonian even when far from home. It speaks of a person moving forward—through daylight and dark, joy and hardship—holding something larger than themselves in their heart. The author of this diaspora anthem, both lyrics and composition, Peeter Kopvillem once said: "The song of which I'm most proud is 'Läbi päeva ja öö'. This song—simple, sincere, and direct— is my explanation of how we, who live far away, look at Estonia." Peeter's daughters, Leiki & Keila, with accompanist Aarne Tork, will bring this to you, live.
We will also be joined by renowned mezzo-soprano Kristiina Agur and the reunited folk-band Ukulele.
MEET THE CREATIVE LEADS
Heli Jürgenson is one of Estonia’s leading choral conductors. She served as Artistic Director of the XXVIII Estonian Song Celebration, Iseoma, and conducts several choirs including the Tallinn Chamber Choir. She has also been recognized as Choral Conductor of the Year, 2025 Postimees Person of the Year, and has been awarded the Order of the White Star by Estonia’s president.
Agne Kurrikoff-Herman is a beloved Estonian 'rahvatants' choreographer and folk dance leader. She was the artistic director of the 2023 Youth Dance Festival Sillad / Bridges, which brought together more than 8,300 dancers and gymnasts into unison, on the field. At the 2025 Tantsupidu, Iseoma, Agne led the diaspora division, working around the world and the clock, to ensure this new division's success. In 2024, Agne was honoured with the Ullo Toomi Scholarship which is widely recognized as Estonia's highest honour in the field of folk dance.
Janika Mölder is a celebrated Estonian rhythmic gymnast and coach who trains Team Canada. She is a former European and World Champion in rhythmic gymnastics, and founded the Miss Valentine International Gymnastics Competition in Estonia, an event recognized internationally in the gymnastics community. She leads Toronto’s gymnastics scene through Glimmer Athletic Club and the Slonny Cup.
Join us for this special event and experience the scale and emotion of Estonian performance culture right here in Toronto!
