ALFRED KUUS: Master Kannel Player Video / DVDThe Kannel Project has undertaken as its first priority, recording the life and music of Alfred Kuus, well known Estonian master kannel player in response to requests from students and fellow Estonian folk musicians. Having completed the Dancing Kannel Tantsib CD, with no financial assistance, this product is now on sale and it is hoped the sales will both introduce Alfed Kuus's music to a wider audience and help recoup the production costs. The second part of recording the life and work of Alfred Kuus, has been the recent completion of a short (15 min.) video entitled "Master Kannel Player, Alfred Kuus, Kandle Meister". This video was underaken by Mae Productions Inc, who with the support of Eesti Etnograafiline Ring Kanadas (EERK - the Estonian Ethnographic Society of Canada), were able to obtain partial funding for the video from the Eesti Sihtkapital Kanadas (ESK). Mae Productions Inc. invested the remaining funding required for the completion of this video, which encompasses the life and music of Alfred Kuus. A new company "Behind the Sauna Studios" was created to bring together talented people with an interest in recording and restoring not only folk music, but other cultural and artistic endeavours for posterity. This firm operates on a "not for profit" principle and hopes to use any surplus funds towards future projects. The next project of Behind the Sauna Studios is the completion of a DVD which will include both the life story and the music of Alfred Kuus, played at various events. It is hoped that this DVD will be available for purchase by late spring/early summer 2004. We welcome financial and creative support towards the completion of this work on the life and music of Alfred Kuus. |
