Downtown Salisbury Welcomes Sister City Tartu for Cultural Celebration and World-Renowned Choir Performance

PRESS RELEASE (43)

Salisbury, MD— The City of Salisbury is thrilled to welcome a distinguished delegation from our Sister City, Tartu, Estonia, as part of our ongoing commitment to international friendship and cultural exchange. This exciting visit marks a meaningful celebration of global connection, community spirit, and shared cultural values.

Mayor Randy Taylor said, “The partnerships we have with our Sister Cities bring Salisbury, Maryland to conversations across the globe. I’m looking forward to celebrating that friendship and spending time with the community and our Estonian partners.”

On Monday, August 18 at 1:00 PM, Downtown Salisbury will host a special appearance by the acclaimed Tartu Male Academic Choir, one of Estonia’s premier choral ensembles. Taking place at the Friendship Bridge off Market Street, the choir will perform a short, stirring selection of traditional and contemporary works, accompanied by a ceremonial exchange of gifts—a symbolic gesture honoring the enduring bond between Salisbury and Tartu.

For those seeking an even deeper musical experience, the Tartu Male Academic Choir will also perform a full-length concert that evening at Asbury United Methodist Church, on Camden Avenue. This joint performance promises an unforgettable evening of music, harmony and cultural unity.

Salisbury’s relationship with Tartu is one of several established through the Sister Cities Association of Salisbury/Wicomico County, which was founded in 2006 upon joining Sister Cities International. The association’s first official partnership was with Salisbury, England, and has since expanded to include multiple Sister Cities around the globe, including a Friendship City in China.

Through these partnerships, Salisbury and its Sister Cities promote cross-cultural understanding, educational exchange, civic engagement, and economic collaboration. Whether through youth programs, artistic exchanges or community development initiatives, these relationships foster meaningful connections that transcend borders.

Sister City relationships are often initiated by civic leaders and supported by passionate volunteers. With around 15 active members, the Salisbury/Wicomico chapter remains dedicated to building bridges between communities and cultivating global citizenship.

“The Sister Cities Committee encourages the community to join us to welcome the choir to Salisbury and hear them sing songs composed by Estonian composers. This is an excellent opportunity for each of us to get to know the other better!” – Sister Cities Committee Member, Dr. George Whitehead.

To learn more about Salisbury’s Sister Cities or to get involved, you can visit http://salisburysistercities.org/ or reach out directly to Dr. George Whitehead at GIWHITEHEAD@salisbury.edu.