On the Independence Day, the 83rd Anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, the President of the Republic will review the parade of the Estonian Defence Forces led by Rear Admiral Tarmo Kõuts, the Commander of the Defence Forces, on the Vabaduse Square at 10.00 AM.

At 11.30 AM, the President of the Republic will attend the Independence Day service at the Church of St. Charles in Tallinn.

At 6.00 PM, the festive concert dedicated to the 83rd anniversary of the Republic of Estonia will begin in the Estonia Theatre; at the concert, the President of the Republic will also hold his Independence Day speech.

The soloists, the choir and the symphony orchestra of the Estonia theatre, as well as the chamber choir of the Estonian Chorus Society will perform on the concert. The programme composed by the conductor Jüri Alperten and the director Neeme Kuningas consists of the works of Giuseppe Verdi. The year 2001 is celebrated as the Year of Giuseppe Verdi all over the world, and it is also the 95th season of the Estonian National Opera.

The concert will be followed by the reception hosted by the President of the Republic and Mrs. Helle Meri at the theatre house. On the reception, Tatjana Lepnurm will play the harp, and the Pärnu City Orchestra, conducted by Peeter Saul and the Viru Boys' Choir conducted by Hirvo Surva will perform, as well as the quartet Free Style.

This year, the Olympia Hotel and Monte Carlo catering were chosen as caterers for the reception. The Louis Perdier Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine will be offered, as well as several red and white wines from France, Chile, and the Republic of South Africa, and coffee and cognac. The snacks will be prepared from Estonian foodstuffs. Smoked sprat, herring and other kinds of fish will be used, as well as the Estonian mascarpone cheese and smoked mutton on dark bread. Small cakes, confectionery and chocolates will be served for dessert.


Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, February 19, 2001

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