Estonians sing en masse to lift spirits amid slump

2009-07-05 15:49:03 -

TALLINN, Estonia (AP) - More than 20,000 choir singers at an outdoor stage in Tallinn were getting ready to fill the air with positive vibes amid Estonia's crippling recession.
Organizers say up to 100,000 spectators are expected at Sunday's choir performances on the final day of the massive Song and Dance Celebration that is held only once every five years.
Earlier in the day, some 7,500 folk dancers in traditional Estonian costumes danced before an audience of 30,000.
Organizers hope the event will unite the recession-hit nation of 1.3 million people. Some 24,000 voices are to sing in unison at the concert's high point later Sunday in a repertoire that includes mostly traditional Estonian folk songs.