Bruno Lukk

b. June 30, 1909 Tšussovaja village, Perm Governovate – May 31, 1991 Tallinn

Bruno Lukk was one of the most renowned pedagogues in Estonia, long-time professor (also director) at Tallinn Conservatoire.

Born in Russia, Burno Lukk moved with his family to Estonia in 1913. He began piano studies under the guidance of his sister Gerda and continued at Martha Bäthge private studio under the guidance of the same teacher at Tartu Higher Music School. In 1928 Bruno Lukk graduated from Riga Conservatory under the guidance of Jāzeps Vītols and Marta Bäthge. In 1928–1933 he furthered piano studies with Leonid Kreutzer and music theory with Paul Hindemith at the Hochschule für Musik in Berlin.

In 1935 Bruno Lukk moved to Tallinn, where he gave at first private piano lessons and continued also concert activity. He was one of the most renowned piano pedagogues in Estonia: in 1939–1940 at Tartu Higher Music School and 1940–1991 at Tallinn Conservatoire (since 1945 professor, 1940–1941 and 1944–1967 head of the piano department, 1948–1951 director, 1951–1955 director locum and since 1967 consultant professor). Bruno Lukk’s students include among others Estonian pianists Mall Sarv, Erna Saar, Vaike Vahi, Eugen Kelder, Leelo Kõlar, Mart Lille, Riina Gerretz, Arbo Valdma, Matti Reimann, Toivo Nahkur, Ivo Sillamaa, Kalle Randalu, Lembit Orgse, Lauri Väinmaa and Toomas Vana.

Bruno Lukk began solo concerts in 1931 in Riga and made his debut at the same year also in Estonia. He was highly valued as a performer of Estonian composers music including works by Mart Saar, Heino Eller and Arvo Pärt. Besides being a remarkable soloist, Lukk was a well-known ensemble partner. His collaboration with pianist Anna Klas lasted for more than 40 years and many of Estonian composers including Eugen Kapp and Lydia Auster wrote music for the duo. In every season, duo Klas-Lukk gave eight to twelve concerts, they performed classical music as well as contemporary music. He also actively performed as an ensemblist with Berlin piano quintet and gave recitals in cinemas, variety theatres, theatres and concert venues in Italy and Maroko. Bruno Lukk also performed with cellist Peeter Paemurru, violinist Mari Tampere, singer Ludmilla Dombrovskaja et al.

Bruno Lukk has been rewarded several prizes including Estonian SSR Merited Artist (1942), Estonian SSR State Prize (1947) and Estonian People's Artist of the USSR (1977). About Bruno Lukk has been also revealed books „Vestlusi Bruno Lukiga“ (author Toivo Nahkur, Eesti Raamat 1998) and „Meistri haare. Meenutusi Bruno Lukist“ (assembler Maia Lilje, Eesti Klaveriõpetajate Ühing, 2009).

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