DESCRIPTION:
The Estonian Folk Orchestra (EFO) is a collaborative project between 33 young Estonian folk musicians, the Swedish saxophonist, pedagogue and composer Jonas Knutsson, and the Stockholm-based Estonian accordionist, pedagogue and composer Tuulikki Bartosik. EFO was started by Tuulikki Bartosik in the autumn 2011.

During 2011-2014 EFO will be performing songs by Jonas Knutsson, Tuulikki Bartosik and Robert Jürjendal, and folk tunes and songs rooted in the Estonian and Swedish traditions. The orchestra includes such instruments as the Bohemian harp, a number of Estonian diatonic button accordions, different Estonian zithers (kannel), Estonian bagpipes, mandolins, guitars, violins, a cello, flutes, percussion, and free-bass accordions. This unique combination of instruments exemplify the knowledge of tradition, expression and virtuosity of a new generation of Estonian folk musicians in a forceful and gripping way.

Maarja Soomre vocals
Maili Metssalu vocals
Tiina Lõhmus vocals
Mihkel Roolaid vocals, small Estonian zither (kannel)
Hans Mihkel Vares guitar
Jaan Jaago guitar, mandolin
Villu Talsi guitar, mandolin
Taavet Niller double bass, electric bass
Ragnar Toompuu guitar
Kaisa Nõges Bohemian harp, small Estonian zither (kannel)
Kadri Lepasson different Estonian zithers (kannels)
Karoliina Kreintaal fiddle, small Estonian zither (kannel)
Eeva Talsi fiddle, small Estonian zither (kannel)
Lee Taul fiddle, small Estonian zither (kannel)
Cathy Sommer fiddle, small Estonian zither (kannel)
Sänni Noormets fiddle, small Estonian zither (kannel)
Liisa Koemets fiddle, small Estonian zither (kannel)
Triin Puusaar fiddle, small Estonian zither (kannel)
Johanna-Adele Jüssi fiddle, viola,
Merike Paberits Estonian bagpipe, flute
Mari Meentalo flute
Säde Tatar flute
Ulvi Võsa alto sax, flute
Kristel Kutser Estonian bagpipe, flute
Leanne Barbo Estonian bagpipe, bockhorn, small Estonian zither (kannel), vocals
Martin Müller Estonian diatonic button accordion, Garmon, vocals
Anne Lehtmäe free-bass accordion
Lisandra Roosioja small Estonian zither (kannel)
Kristi Kool Estonian diatonic button accordion
Toomas Oks Estonian diatonic button accordion
Juhan Uppin Estonian diatonic button accordion
Tõnis Kirsipu percussion
Martin Aulis percussion
Kaur Kenk sound technician
Jonas Knutsson saxophones, band leader
Tuulikki Bartosik accordion, band leader