Susie’s Problem Page

20 October, 2003

Dear Mr. Ivor Dixon

With reference to an advertisement published in the magazine, I write to you to get more information concerning Acorn Activities camp.

I have two children aged 12 and 14, they are fond of swimming and photography. I want to know if there are qualified instructors to teach my sons to swim. Is there the necessity of own equipment, when my boys will take the photographs.

I saw your address in the magazine, however it will be grateful if you tell me where exactly camp is situated: forest, countryside? Also, are there any age restrictions? Do your holiday activities available in August and how many of free places there will be left then? And the last: do I have to pay you some money in advance?

Thanks you for the help. I look forward to your reply.

With respect,

Sergey Golubev.

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A Letter

2 November, 2003

Dear Teddy,

It was very glad to receive a letter from you last week. You have written that you are now interested in music from different countries, as you will have a work next month on music classes by this topic. So, let me help you, with the description of our native Estonian music.

Looking back to the history, you know, never before have Estonian music and Estonian musicians enjoyed as much international popularity as they do today. During fifty years of Soviet occupation Estonian arts (and music) existed largely in separation. The first appearance of Estonian music on the international scene after WWII did not occur until 1960, when Eino Tamberg’s ballet “The Ballet-Symphony” premiered at the State Theatre of Schwerin.

The progress of Estonian music becomes evident when we look at the fairly successful performance of Estonian composers at the International Rostrum of Composers in Paris. Thus, John, you may see how Estonian music has established steady development since the second half of the decade.The following names are internationally known and respected in the world of classics - Rudolf Tobias, Arvo Pärt, Veljo Tormis, Lepo Sumera, Erki-Sven Tüür… We have different schools of music with their particular ways of development. But in addition to that, we have the local pop culture. However, it suffers from the favourite complaint of cultural life in Estonia — there are too few of us. Of course, that’s a pity for us!

Talking about our modern pop and rock bands, I would say that their popularity is growing. For instance, our best singers several times won European Song Contest (Eurovision) – this is a whole country possession, we are proud of these people, it’s a great pleasure to be a winner!

From my point of view, you will definitely like our music, because, at first it seems to be easy-listening for everyone and quite dynamic.

That is all at the moment. How are you doing? How is your little brother? Remember me to your lovely relatives. Hope to get a reply from you soon.

Best wishes,

Sergey.

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Letter