In 2003, the Estonian song festivals had been recognised on the international level – they were included in the UNESCO list of verbal and spiritual heritage.

CHIEF CONDUCTORS:

Eri Klas (chief conductor of concert I), Ants Üleoja (mixed choirs), Ants Soots (male choirs), Ants Sööt (female choirs), Aarne Saluveer (children’s choirs), Hirvo Surva (boys’ choirs), Annelii Traks (toddlers’ choirs), Leho Muldre (brass orchestras).

838 choirs with 23,995 singers and 57 orchestras with 1860 musicians, a total or 25,980 singers and musicians, took part in the festival. There were approximately 200,000 people in the audience.