Seto leelo choir Sõsarõ (Sisters) The Sõsarõ Seto leelo choir was founded in 1973. The core of the ensemble combined members of a Seto singing group initiated by Veera Virgo (born: Terak, 1935–2005), which sprang up from another folklore ensemble of the time, Leegajus. The first leader of the group from 1973–1976 was the well-known folk music researcher, Igor Tõnurist, who was also the conductor of Leegajus. The singing group then developed into an independent choir, which was lead by folklorist Vaike Sarv from 1976–1983. For a long time, in 1985–2008, the choir’s artistic director was the historian and museum worker, Sulev Mäeväli. In 2008–2009, the choir was lead by the music teacher Rines Takel. As of 2010, Sõsarõ is lead by Elvi Nassar, a historian and museum worker of Seto origin. The singers of Sõsarõ are Setos and their descendants from Petserimaa – the most south-eastern corner of Estonia, who have settled in Tallinn and in Harjumaa County. Their aim is to preserve the original Seto singing and playing of instruments as well as the traditional Seto culture. For many years, the Tallinn Teachers’ House in Town Hall Square has served as their weekly meeting place, but they also rehearse in the nearby Matkamaja. Lively celebrations of Christmas and Easter according to the Old Calendar have become the traditional get-togethers of Setos living in Tallinn and Harjumaa. Currently, the choir consists of 18 singers, two of whom also play an instrument. The choir acts as a non-profit organization MTÜ Setu Laulukoor Sõsarõ. The repertoire of Sõsarõ is based on authentic Seto leelo, an ancient polyphonic singing tradition which was added to the UNESCO list of world cultural heritage in 2009. Performed using traditional melodies and in traditional costume, leelo features a lead singer who delivers a verse line followed by a choir that joins in for the final syllables and then repeats the whole line. Over the years, the choir has learned and performed about 150 songs, 14 singing games and several folk dances. The connection to the past is very important to all Seto singers. The older generation learnt the songs from their mothers and grandmothers. The younger ones study from elderly singers as well as from archive recordings. The choir has two lead singers who are also skilled lyricists. The CD “Tulõ, sõsar, sa mäe pääle” (Come, sister, to the hill), released in 2009, presents a small part of the choir’s repertoire: calendar songs (Shrove Tuesday, Easter), songs related to family festivities such as weddings and everyday life.