MCTA: Estonian Group, the Kontus Trio

Mountain City Traditional Arts

Estonian Group, the Kontus Trio, to Appear at Mountain City Traditional Arts

Frostburg State University’s Mountain City Traditional Arts, in partnership with World Artists Experiences (WAE), will host the Estonian group, the Kontus Trio, on Sunday, Nov. 17, at 4 p.m. at 25 E. Main St. in Frostburg. The live entertainment is open to the public through general admission with a suggested donation of $15.

The trio features vocalist Rebecca Kontus, one of the most colorful singers on the Estonian music scene; guitarist Paul Daniel, who teaches at the Viimsi Music School; and Peedu Kass, one of the top names in the Estonian jazz scene. Together, they create an electrifying performance.

Kontus has demonstrated her musical range by composing for diverse projects, from intimate salon performances to mixed choirs and even a symphony orchestra. In April 2024, she released her sixth solo album, for which she recorded music inspired by reflections on post-COVID years. Although the texts are philosophical and often serious, the contrasting musical material is uplifting and positive.

Daniel has worked for many years as a guitar teacher, most recently at the Viimsi Music School. He has been active as a freelance musician with the Estonian Dream Big Band, pop singer Lauri Saatpalu, early music ensemble Floridante and more. In 2021, together with the band Puhkuseloomad, he released the album “Puhkuseloomad.”

Kass is one of the top names on the Estonian jazz scene and beyond. After garnering the prestigious Young Talent prize at Estonia’s annual Jazzkaar festival in 2010, he quickly established a reputation as Tallinn’s first-call bassist, and his entrée onto the wider European scene was prefaced by his 2006 win, at age 20, of the Sony Jazz Stage award in Riga, Latvia. He has since shared the bandstand with Django Bates, Marilyn Mazur, Seamus Blake, Tony Allen and the European Jazz Orchestra. His tours have taken him all over Europe and to the United States, Canada, Japan and Australia.

WAE bridges international understanding through cultural and citizen diplomacy in communities (primarily smaller towns), colleges and schools. WAE hopes to build community both here and within our world. All programs are free, with donations appreciated. WAE receives grants, including one from the Allegany Arts Council. For more information, visit www.worldartists.org.

MCTA is a program of FSU and a founding member of Maryland’s Folklife Network. It receives support from the Maryland Traditions Program of the State Arts Council.

For more information, call 301-687-8040.

Music