President Rüütel called the festival a small miracle as it was really extraordinary to hold an opera festival on the county level (since 1999). According to the head of state it is not surprising that the festival takes place at Kurssaare. A month after the first song festival in 1869 the town held a magnificent local song festival. Kuressaare has also enriched our music life with a number of composers, musicians and teachers.
The President wished the Opera Days to become a major annual event in Estonia.
Press Service of the Office of the President
At Kadriorg, 25 July 2002
