Fifty summers of music - during which the tradition of classical music festivals has grown and evolved in Pärnu - is a significant milestone. Pärnu has earned its spot among international music towns. It has been a long road with countless twists and turns, many travellers, a journey through inconstant times and circumstances. The travellers on this journey have shared a common goal - to bring good music to Pärnu, offer experiences, and tug at each listener's heartstrings. This booklet is only a brief overview, but I do hope to see thorough tractates from musicologists in the future. The programmes, performers, and organisers of Pärnu's summer festivals of classical music are worth it. The journey, which started half a century ago, continues. Ela Tomson, complier