This November marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of beloved choir conductor and music educator Heino Kaljuste. This milestone will be celebrated at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre with a conference, the presentation of Heino Kaljuste’s book “Thirty Lessons”, and a series of workshops. The day will conclude with a festive concert featuring musical ensembles closely connected to Heino Kaljuste’s legacy – the Ellerhein Choir Studio of Tallinn Hobby Centre Kullo and the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir.

Concert Program
Part I:
Mart Saar – “The Lost Princess”
Performed by the choirs of the Ellerhein Choir Studio, with the dance ensemble Sõleke. Directed by Eva Koldits.

Part II:
Veljo Tormis – “Songs of Women”
Veljo Tormis – “Songs of Men”

Conductors Tõnu Kaljuste, Ingrid Kõrvits, Maarian Toompere, Mallika Veeperv, Marit Koit, Ilona Muhel.
Pianist Kadri Traksmann.

Heino Kaljuste was one of Estonia’s most distinguished choir conductors and educators, whose contribution to music pedagogy was remarkable. Between 1955 and 1986, he taught intermittently at the Tallinn Pedagogical Institute and the Tallinn State Conservatory, where he trained future choir conductors and shared his methodological expertise. In 1950, he founded the children’s choir at the Tallinn Palace of Pioneers and Schoolchildren, which later evolved into the girls’ choir Ellerhein. Kaljuste led the choir until his death, establishing a tradition that has endured across generations. Today, the Ellerhein Choir Studio continues his legacy, nurturing young singers and carrying forward the spirit of his work.

From the chamber choir of Ellerhein alumni emerged the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, now led by Heino Kaljuste’s son, conductor Tõnu Kaljuste. It is deeply symbolic that these very ensembles will perform at the jubilee concert, bringing together historical continuity and the highest level of contemporary choral artistry.
The concert is organized by the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre in collaboration with the Estonian National Culture Foundation, the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, the Ellerhein Choir Studio, and the Estonian Music Teachers’ Union. Supported by the Cultural Endowment of Estonia.