Paper short abstract:

The presentation deals with the question whether and how the factors that characterize outstanding pre-modern female performers, manifest themselves in the self-image of contemporary elderly singing women in Estonia.

Paper long abstract:

Based on the data from 19th-20th century we can claim that elderly women have formed a significant part of the most outstanding creators in Estonian traditional (pre-modern) singing culture. Several factors seem to intertwine in the performativity of these singers: change in women's status and behavioural models in postmenopausal age; an exceptional self-expression accepted – sometimes even expected – in the case of outstanding creators; performers’ skills acquired during lifetime; high vitality; independence from the self-control and -constraints characteristic of modernity.

The presentation deals with the question whether and how these factors manifest themselves in the self-image of contemporary elderly singing women in Estonia. The research was conducted by interviewing women who represent the sustainable premodern oral singing culture, the modern choir culture, and the female customers of the nursing home, participating in singing. Gerontological, gender studies, performativity and biographical perspectives were used in the interpretation.