Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Choral

 

The Ellerhein Girls' Choir is a renowned classical music ensemble based in Tallinn, Estonia. Founded in 1951, the choir has become one of the most respected and celebrated choral groups in the world, known for their exceptional musicianship and stunning performances. The choir was established by Heino Kaljuste, a prominent Estonian conductor and composer, who sought to create a choir that would showcase the talents of young female singers. The choir was named after Lydia Koidula's poem "Oh, my country, my beloved land", which includes the line "Ellerhein, my fatherland's beloved garden". From its inception, the Ellerhein Girls' Choir has been dedicated to promoting Estonian choral music and has commissioned numerous works from Estonian composers. The choir has also performed a wide range of classical music, including works by Bach, Mozart, and Brahms, as well as contemporary pieces by composers such as Arvo Pärt and Veljo Tormis. Over the years, the choir has undergone several changes in leadership and membership, but has remained committed to excellence in choral performance. In 1971, the choir was taken over by Tiia-Ester Loitme, who served as conductor and artistic director for over 30 years. Under her leadership, the choir continued to grow in size and reputation, performing at major festivals and competitions around the world. One of the highlights of the choir's early years was their performance at the 1957 World Festival of Youth and Students in Moscow, where they won first prize in the choral competition. This was a significant achievement for the choir and helped to establish their reputation as one of the leading choral groups in Europe. In the years that followed, the Ellerhein Girls' Choir continued to build on their success, performing at major festivals and competitions throughout Europe and beyond. They won numerous awards and accolades, including first prize at the International Choral Competition in Arezzo, Italy, in 1987, and the Grand Prix at the International Choral Competition in Tolosa, Spain, in 1990. In addition to their success in competitions, the choir has also performed at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie Hall in New York, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the Berlin Philharmonic Hall. They have collaborated with many of the world's leading conductors and orchestras, including Sir Simon Rattle, Claudio Abbado, and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. One of the most memorable performances in the choir's history was their appearance at the 1991 Song Festival in Tallinn, which marked the restoration of Estonian independence after decades of Soviet occupation. The choir performed a stirring rendition of the Estonian national anthem, which brought the audience to tears and became a symbol of the country's struggle for freedom. In recent years, the Ellerhein Girls' Choir has continued to thrive under the leadership of conductor Ingrid Kõrvits. They have released several acclaimed recordings, including a collection of Estonian folk songs and a tribute to the music of Arvo Pärt. They have also continued to tour extensively, performing at festivals and concerts around the world. Today, the Ellerhein Girls' Choir remains one of the most respected and beloved choral groups in the world. Their commitment to excellence in choral performance and their dedication to promoting Estonian music and culture have made them a true national treasure.

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